April Privett is a hose engineering supervisor in the specialty products business unit at Caterpillar Inc. Her responsibilities include supervising the design and development of low, medium and high-pressure hose for all hose used on Caterpillar products.
Shortly after beginning her career at Caterpillar, Privett’s leadership abilities were recognized, which led to her becoming the manufacturing liaison for the track-type tractors fabrication facility. In this role, she supported the production of mainframes, track roller frames and radiator guards. She also completed training to earn her Six Sigma Black Belt and began training Green Belts and leading various other projects.
While attending the University of Iowa, Privett joined the Society of Women Engineers and has been a strong contributor to the organization at the local, regional and national levels. As she begins her term as Region H Lieutenant Governor, Privett will support several universities in their regional conference planning activities. She is also a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers.
Among other distinctions, Privett was recognized for providing the most coaching sessions in the Midwest by the Society of Women Engineers Collegiate Leadership Coaching Committee in 2007. That same year, she received the Innovation Award for Central Illinois Section Article Club, as well as a Professional Development Series Award.
Privett is also involved in recruiting activities at the University of Iowa. She was promoted to the position of campus coordinator, overseeing all recruiting activities for engineering, accounting, pricing and manufacturing professionals. To help fill a gap at another school, she began serving as campus coordinator at Texas A&M University.
For the past nine years, Privett has been involved at First English Lutheran Church, where she was elected vice president of her congregation. She was the project leader and general contractor on a recent kitchen remodeling, and has served as a Sunday school teacher, evangelism committee chair and leader of a women’s group. She also coordinated logistics and communications for a block party which increased and strengthened relationships in her neighborhood.
April Privett is a strong and decisive leader, and her tireless efforts are witnessed in both her professional career and volunteer activities. iBi
