North Dakota Professional Communicators recently selected Sarah Mudder of Mandan, N.D., as its 2022 Communicator of Achievement.

“Being named Communicator of Achievement is a great honor that recognizes both excellence in the communications field as well as service to NFPW and the community,” said Tammy Fogle, the statewide organization’s president. NDPC is an affiliate of NFPW, a nationwide organization of professional women and men pursuing careers across the spectrum of journalism and communications.

Mudder currently serves as NDPC’s southwest district chair and is a member of its board. She pushed for and is leading a movement for a united statewide organization with a consistent dues structure and branding. At the on-set of the pandemic, Mudder recommended that NDPC invest in a virtual meeting platform that is now used to host rotating monthly meetings allowing the members to learn from and make connections outside their immediate geographic area.

“Sarah has been instrumental in the survival of NDPC during the height of the pandemic and beyond,” added Fogle. “It is evident how much she values NFPW and our local affiliate by her actions to promote the organization and the programs we offer.”

Mudder is the communications and events coordinator at North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) where she works to bring awareness to the state’s most pressing housing issues.

“I have worked with Sarah since 2002 and appreciate the professionalism she has brought to the agency,” said NDHFA Executive Director Dave Flohr. “She has a demonstrated commitment to our mission of providing affordable housing opportunities for all North Dakotans.”

In addition to serving as NDHFA’s primary liaison to the media and the director of its educational and promotional efforts, Mudder manages the agency’s social media channels, edits and produces newsletters and other announcements, is NDHFA’s go-to editor and its records manager.

Connections made through years of government service have provided Mudder with unique community service opportunities. She has used her communications skills to help with a handful of mostly successful political campaigns and she was honored to serve as the media coordinator for Roughrider Honor Flight.

Married to Layn Mudder, a freelance photographer, the Mudders have a very spoiled English Cocker Spaniel named Annie. In their downtime, they enjoy traveling to visit historic sites and museums, kayaking calm waterways, attending stock car races and trying out new restaurants. Her favorite adventures include trips to Laura Ingalls Wilder’s home sites in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota and Missouri.

As NDPC’s honoree, Mudder advanced to the national NFPW competition. She was one of six nominees recognized during NFPW’s annual conference, which was held in June 2022 in Fargo, N.D. LuAnn Schindler of Clearwater, Neb., co-publisher and editor-in-chief of the Summerland Advocate-Messenger, was chosen as NFPW’s 2022 Communicator of Achievement. NFPW has presented this prestigious award for 65 years.