Lori Perlow of Haddon Township School District Communications Consortium Named 2026 NJ Communicator of the Year

The New Jersey School Public Relations Association (NJSPRA) announces Lori Perlow, Public Information Officer at the Haddon Township School District Communications Consortium, as their 2026 Communicator of the Year. The prestigious award recognizes exemplary leadership and commitment to enhanced communication and relationship-building between public schools and the stakeholders they serve. 

NJSPRA President Maren Smagala (pictured left on right), herself an NJSPRA Communicator of the Year in 2021, surprised Perlow (pictured left on left) during a visit to her district on February 24th. Perlow’s school communications colleagues will also celebrate her during the NJSPRA Spring Workshop on March 26, 2026.

“I am thrilled to honor Lori Perlow as this year’s winner. She is at the top of her game and respected across the state, working with superintendents and administrators through the consortium,” notes Smagala. “I have had the distinct pleasure of knowing and working with Lori for over 15 years, from collaboration on presentations to serving with her on the NJSPRA Executive Board. She has expertise in all facets of school communication and is very deserving of this award, ” Smagala explains. 

Among Perlow’s many career accomplishments is the development of the statewide Communications Consortium she operates under the Haddon Township School District. Through the consortium, she has served as a strategic communications partner to 30 school districts across the state where she consistently demonstrates calm, decisive leadership, particularly in complex or crisis situations. District leaders consistently credit Perlow with preventing issues from escalating by proactively addressing concerns before they take hold. In addition to her strategic approach to communication, Perlow’s meaningful and impactful storytelling brings to life the great things happening in the districts she serves.

Perlow was nominated by the superintendent of Haddon Township School District, Dr. Robert Fisicaro (pictured right on left next to Haddon Township School Board President Kellie Hinkle). In his nomination, Dr. Fisicaro stated, “Lori continuously raises the standard for school communications in New Jersey. Her influence ensures that both current and future leaders are better prepared, better supported, and better equipped to serve their communities with integrity and confidence.”

Beyond her work in various school districts, Perlow supported the school communications profession through leadership in both NJSPRA and the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA). An active member throughout her career, she served as President of NJSPRA for six years, seeing the organization through significant growth and expansion. She recently completed a three-year term as Northeast Vice President of NSPRA, representing and serving ten states along with eastern Canadian provinces. Perlow readily shares her knowledge and experience as a presenter at workshops for her school communications peers, superintendents, school board members and administrators, as well as a mentor and advisor to anyone seeking her guidance.

See details about the award at right.