The City of Snoqualmie has appointed Scott Harder as Communications Coordinator and Public Information Officer, bringing more than 25 years of experience in municipal communications, public affairs, crisis communication, and media relations to the role.
Harder comes to Snoqualmie from South County Fire, where he served as Public Information Officer. His career has also included positions at Puget Sound Energy and the City of Mill Creek, giving him a broad foundation across public agencies, utilities, and nonprofit organizations, experience he said provides a strong foundation for his new role.
In his new role, Harder oversees the city’s communications efforts, including social media, visual communications, newsletters, and the city website. He is also an experienced multimedia storyteller with expertise in video production and award-winning photography and has volunteered his skills with organizations including Make-A-Wish since 2010 and Housing Hope.
For Harder, the move to Snoqualmie felt like a natural fit. “Honestly, it felt familiar,” he said. “I’ve lived in Mill Creek for 17 years, and Snoqualmie has that same close community feel. I’ve also spent decades out here with family and friends hiking, skiing, and exploring the valley. In many ways, I already felt connected before I even took the job.”
Harder and his wife have raised their two daughters in Mill Creek. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoys skiing, hiking, cycling, and climbing.
Snoqualmie is navigating significant community interest around the BESS project, and we asked Harder how he approaches communications during periods of heightened public concern. “When there’s a lot of community interest around something like the BESS project, the last thing I want is for people to fill in the blanks,” he said. “If we have information that is beneficial to the community, we’ll share it as soon as we can.”
As for what he hopes residents know about him and his role, Harder said, “I’ve spent many years in communications, so I know how hard it can be to actually reach people. I’m trying new things, revisiting old things, and seeing what sticks.”
Welcome to the Snoqualmie Valley, Scott!
[Featured image credit: the City of Snoqualmie]
