Garner received a bachelor of arts degree in communications and humanities from Augustana College, Rock Island IL and M.A. in business administration and marketing from St. Ambrose University, Davenport IA. Garner comes to Extension with 25 years of experience in marketing, public relations, and business development. She is the Community Development Educator for University of Illinois Extension, serving Henry, Mercer, Rock Island, and Stark counties.

In addition to providing programming, Garner also works cooperatively with community organizations. She serves on the Quad Cities Workforce Development Board, the Upper Mississippi River Conference Planning Committee, the Illinois Small Business Development Center Advisory Board, the La Esperanza Latino Community Network, the Quad Cities Alliance for Refugees and Immigrants Information Clearinghouse Committee, the Mercer County Human Services Council, the United Way of the Quad Cities Marketing Committee, and PR Network of the Quad Cities. Included among her awards and recognitions are the 2005 Davey Award for "The Ambulance" television spot for a regional blood center; Staff of the Year Award and Presidential Citation from Palmer Chiropractic College; and top fundraising volunteer for US Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign.

Professional affiliations include Illinois Extension Community and Economic Development Professionals, American Marketing Association, and Community Development Society. She received professional finance certification in economic development from the National Development Council, and professional community and economic developer certification through the Community Development Council.

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