Employee Spotlight: Mary Jo Holt

APH employees come from a variety of different backgrounds, bringing an array of interests and passions to their job. Jo Holt has been with APH since 2018 and is now the Operations Engineering & Planning Manager. Her leadership and attention to detail, make it possible for APH to continue making quality products for students all across the nation. 

Holt’s career path started when she obtained a BA in Accounting, following with an MBA soon after. She primarily worked as an accountant for the first part of her career before taking an interest in manufacturing engineering. Her aptitude for numbers and systems translated well to the new field, and she found that she really enjoyed working with different production systems within the engineering process. With experience both in accounting and manifest engineering, she came across a manufacturing engineering position at APH in 2018. She applied, got the job, and has never looked back. 

Taking her expertise in the systems used to communicate between engineering and production, Holt got to work aiding in the processes that are used on APH’s production floor. In 2021, she was promoted to a manager position while her department merged with the operations department. Now, half of Holt’s team works on creating processes of production while the other half helps the logistical side of the operations such as timetables, what machines are available, and what types of materials will need to be in stock. “I could not be more proud of my team,” Holt said. “We work well together!” 

Not only does Holt provide invaluable leadership and experience to her team, but she also brings a passion for APH’s mission. She has a personal connection with assistive technology and accessibility. Having a family member that grew up with disabilities, Holt knows first-hand how important innovative and imaginative products are to making the world a more inclusive place. One of her favorite parts about APH products is their versatility. “One of the things that I’ve learned working here is how so many of our products don’t need to be just thought of as a product for someone who is blind or low vision,” Holt said. “They can help any student regardless of ability!” 

Holt also loves getting to work with all of the different people and departments at APH. Not only does she have a close relationship with those on her team, but she has the chance to be a part of a product’s journey through the various APH departments. Whether its finance, TPR, Dot 6, or the production floor, Jo is able to see the bigger picture when it comes to creating new products. She says she feels connected with everyone who works at APH because of our mission. Everyone is working here for a purpose, and that creates a more exciting work environment. “One of the best things about APH is that everyone is so nice to work with. Everyone who is here really likes working here,” Holt said. Holt is grateful to be one part of a large machine that is working toward a more inclusive world. 

Outside of work, Holt has a passion for working with different textiles. Whether weaving or quilting, Holt loves to escape into a work that gets to be both an outlet for her creativity while still being a task that uses her love for systems, angles, and numbers. She thinks of quilting like a big physical spreadsheet! Holt also enjoys spending time with her kids, grandkids, and friends.