Patti is a native Hoosier who moved to Southern Illinois after marrying her sweetheart, Jim. She is enthusiastic about the opportunities ahead for District 8 this year. Her goal is to empower Toastmasters across the district by fostering a safe, supportive, and enjoyable environment that encourages personal growth for every member.
Patti retired from the Department of Veterans Affairs where she worked as an IT Analyst. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Liberty University and a master’s degree in Nonprofit Administration from the University of Notre Dame. Her professional background includes teaching grade school music and working in contract management in the healthcare sector prior to her federal service.
A dedicated Toastmaster, Patti has served in all club officer roles and twice as an Area Director before joining the District Marketing Team. She has served as Club Growth Director, Program Quality Director, and now leads as District Director. She was named District 8 Toastmaster of the Year in 2019 and Retired Toastmaster of the Year in 2023.
Patti is an active member of both the Mount Vernon Toastmasters and the McBrian Lincoln-Douglas Toastmasters. Outside of Toastmasters, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and their two Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. Together, they keep bees and enjoy canning the fruits of their gardening adventures.