HOW I GOT HERE
For many years, I worked as a doctoral-level psychologist, addressing the problems of individuals, families, groups, and organizations, with a primary focus on patterns of interpersonal interaction and communication at all levels.
My first political involvement was sparked by Ross Perot’s Independent run for President in 1992. I was aware of Mr. Perot prior to his campaign and was impressed by his deep understanding of international economics and political matters, as well as the sincerity of his desire to share his knowledge with ordinary people. Acting perhaps on impulse, I offered to help a group of his volunteers who were soliciting signatures outside a supermarket. They handed me a clipboard and some petitions, and that was the beginning of a journey that has continued to this day.
At that time, I was working full-time as the Executive Director of a mental health clinic in Montgomery County, Maryland, but I made time to become a dedicated worker in the Perot Campaign. I learned quickly, and despite being a political neophyte, I advanced rapidly, ultimately becoming the Special Events Chair and a member of the Executive Board for the county campaign organization.
After the 1992 election, when the organization United We Stand, America (UWSA) was formed to continue the ideals Perot had expressed, I was elected its first Coordinator of Maryland’s Eighth Congressional District and also became a member of UWSA’s state-level Board of Directors. When UWSA was replaced by the Reform Party, I was elected Maryland State Chair.
Eventually, I turned the skills I acquired in the Perot campaign and its aftermath toward other areas of political advocacy, primarily health care, and political and election reform.
I continued to appear, from time to time, before state and local government committees; meet with national, state, and local elected officials and reporters; make presentations to local and state organizations; write op-ed articles that were published in area newspapers, including the Washington Post; appear on radio and TV programs, including Politics with Chris Matthews; as well as work collaboratively with other advocacy-oriented organizations. I even ran for political office myself.
Pat Talks with Supporters
at Campaign Event
Pat and MD Gov. & Â Lt. Gov.-to-be
Bob Ehrlich & Michael Steele
Pat Addresses Supporters
at Campaign Event
In 2016, after relocating to Polk County, North Carolina, I was asked to serve as the County Chair of Donald Trump’s presidential campaign. In that capacity, with assistance from many enthusiastic volunteers, I was able to create and manage a large and highly effective campaign organization.
In the autumn of 2017, I agreed to help reconstruct my county’s Republican Party organization, which was struggling because of leadership and financial issues. To accomplish this goal, I served as the party’s Interim Chair until its convention the following spring. At the convention, I was proud to turn the newly financially viable party organization over to a team of new, capable leaders, most of whom I had personally recruited.
The rather atypical path I have followed gives me a unique understanding of the issues facing political organizations and what it takes to achieve optimal results. In particular, I am proud of my achievements with grassroots volunteers and my ability to understand and motivate them.