Judy Hijikata joined TRC in September of 2003, after many years of admiring TRC's work. As a long-time Arlington resident and kids bookseller, TRC's local orientation and kid-and-book-friendly mission have always appealed to her. As Program Director, one of her priorities is raising TRC's visibility in the schools, civic organizations, and businesses of our community. She is also working to solidify TRC's signature shelter read-aloud program and to enhance programs using her knowledge of the publishing industry.

Before joining TRC, Judy spent over a decade in children's bookselling, from managing and buying for small independent stores to representing publishers at bookstores across the Mid-Atlantic. She has also taught English at Northern Virginia Community College and served as an editor for nonprofit organizations. She holds an A. B. degree from Earlham College and an M.A. degree from American University, both in English Literature.