April Kiser

April Kiser serves as Affiliate and Community Education Coordinator with the Arkansas Department of Transportation’s Keep Arkansas Beautiful, where she leads statewide education, outreach, and community engagement initiatives focused on litter prevention, environmental stewardship, and civic pride. In this role, she works closely with schools, local governments, nonprofit partners, and community organizations to inspire action, strengthen volunteer networks, and promote a cleaner, more beautiful Arkansas. 

With nearly three decades of experience in communications, public affairs, and community outreach, Kiser has built a career centered on serving communities, strengthening partnerships, and fostering public trust. Her work reflects a deep commitment to connecting people with meaningful information and empowering communities through education, collaboration, and service. 

Most recently, Kiser served as Deputy Chief of Communications for the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, where she led strategic communications, media relations, crisis communications, public engagement, and statewide marketing initiatives that connected Arkansans and visitors with the state’s natural, cultural, and historic resources. During her tenure, she helped elevate Arkansas’ tourism and heritage storytelling while supporting agency-wide initiatives that showcased the state’s unique identity and assets. 

In addition, Kiser provided communications leadership and support for the Arkansas 250 Commission, contributing to the planning and promotion of Arkansas250 events and marker unveilings across the state. Her work helped highlight Arkansas’ rich history and ensured statewide visibility for commemorative programs honoring the nation’s semiquincentennial. 

Throughout her career, Kiser has collaborated with state agencies, local governments, nonprofit organizations, public safety professionals, tourism leaders, and community stakeholders to develop initiatives that educate, inform, and inspire. Her experience spans strategic planning, executive communications, crisis response, statewide campaigns, digital media, special events, and partnership development. She is recognized for bringing people together across disciplines to solve challenges, build relationships, and create meaningful impact for Arkansas. 

Prior to her service in state government communications, Kiser dedicated more than two decades to public information and community relations, including serving as Lead Public Information Officer for Central Arkansas Crime Stoppers and supporting statewide emergency communications and public safety initiatives. Her leadership has earned the trust of elected officials, community leaders, media partners, and organizations across Arkansas. 

A passionate advocate for service, Kiser has volunteered with organizations including Special Olympics Arkansas, the American Heart Association, the Miss Arkansas Scholarship Foundation, and numerous community outreach initiatives. She believes leadership is measured not only by professional success, but by a commitment to investing in people and leaving communities stronger than they were found. 

Having visited all 52 Arkansas State Parks and worked alongside communities across every region of the state, Kiser has developed a deep appreciation for the people, industries, and unique strengths that define Arkansas. She is committed to building stronger connections across sectors, developing future leaders, and advancing opportunities that improve the quality of life for all Arkansans. She views Leadership Arkansas as an opportunity to broaden her perspective, strengthen relationships with leaders across the state, and continue serving Arkansas through thoughtful, collaborative leadership.