Who We Are
Who We Are

Nice to meet you.

We’re a passionate, talented team personally committed to improving the well-being and livelihood of the places we care about. Get to know us. Then let’s get to work.

“Growing up on a farm makes me appreciate the people who live in rural communities. Twenty percent of Americans live in rural America, but only six percent of philanthropy reaches them. I’m excited to roll up my sleeves with our rural partners to improve the future of rural life.”

Maria

President and CEO

“Rural made me who I am today. Growing up in a small town I had a support network of family, friends, and neighbors who believed in caring for all members of our community. This spirit was, and is, entrenched in small-town life. It’s an honor to be part of a foundation woven of this same fabric.”

Andrea

General Counsel

“Rural communities are beautiful places inhabited by resilient people, but they are also fragile in a way. Almost a quarter of America’s elderly and one in five children live in rural areas.  I want the people who live in rural communities to know that they are important to America’s past and future.”

April

Chief Legacy Officer

“I believe rural communities deserve recognition and advocacy because of the crucial contributions they make to society. It’s incumbent upon us all to be informed advocates for our hard-working, rural neighbors.”

Jessica

Vice President, Programs and Strategy

“Rural communities play a vital role in our nation’s framework, making substantial contributions to food production, cultural heritage, and environmental preservation. By advocating for resources for these communities’ unique challenges, we can help preserve their invaluable contributions to our collective well-being.”

Kelsey

Senior Director of Operations

Rural is home to me. Rural communities represent a unique quality of life and a level of connection. Like many across the country, I appreciate that rural communities are a constant source of innovation that enriches every aspect of life. I’m excited to help support future generations of thriving rural communities.

Chris

Senior Director of Programs

“Rural communities are the lifeblood of America – daily life is impossible without their numerous contributions. I am grateful to be part of an organization dedicated to listening and engaging with individual community members, empowering them to thrive, and helping to preserve and exemplify their culture to all.”

Matt

Senior Director of Technology

“Rural matters to me because it encompasses the heart and soul of many communities across the globe, requiring resiliency in order to maintain a great community, vital relationships and ongoing engagement of the residents.”

Denise

Program Officer

“Growing up in Southeast Kansas, I have seen firsthand that rural communities are a vital piece of our nation’s social and economic fabric. I am proud to be part of a foundation that helps support them to grow and thrive for generations to come.”

Adam

Program Officer

“I believe providing access to quality healthcare and education is essential to supporting rural Missouri and Kansas. I want to take part in advocating for rural areas to ensure they receive the necessary resources to cultivate and sustain a thriving community.”

Emily

Program Officer

“Rural communities play vital roles in our economy, food systems, and culture, and they are also some of America’s best incubators of local leadership. We are all stronger when rural communities are active parts of our national fabric. It is an honor to be part of an organization that supports rural communities in an open, honest, and regular way.”

Brian

Research Analyst

“Rural communities are important across every aspect of life. Growing up in a rural community, I experienced the shared values of determination, ingenuity and generosity. I am honored to help create new opportunities that build rural communities’ capacity to thrive.”

Rachel

Communications Officer

“Rural communities matter because they are the backbone of our nation, where the spirit of hard work and resilience thrives. In these communities, the beauty of nature, the simplicity of life, and the sense of belonging are cherished, reminding us of our roots and the importance of preserving our heritage.”

Qadir

Salesforce Administrator

“Rural communities are the heartbeat of America, representing determination and innovation. I am proud to come from a long line of farmers, cultivators, and small-town spirit. The incredible work ethic and uncompromising resiliency of those who make up rural communities is important and must be advocated for.” 

Malarie

Operations Coordinator

“Rural communities have played an integral role in our country’s past and present and will continue to do so in the future. As a native of mid-Michigan, I can attest to the grit and toughness required to thrive in rural areas. I am excited to support the excellent work that real people do in and for their communities in rural Kansas and Missouri.”

Ben

Administrative Assistant
Board of Directors

Built on a strong foundation.

The Patterson Family Foundation was established to reinvest in rural communities and cultivate values of education and hard work for current and future generations. Currently, the Foundation is led by the adult children of the Patterson Family.

CLAY PATTERSON

LINDSEY PATTERSON SMITH

CORTNEY PATTERSON BARTON

WILL PATTERSON

Join the family.

Interested in working at the Patterson Family Foundation?

“Create value and good things will happen.”

Neal Patterson

“Every opportunity is the result of a problem.”

Neal Patterson

“It’s all hard, complex and ambiguous at best.”

Neal Patterson

“Leading through vision is how you move the boundaries of an organization.”

Neal Patterson

“Live good lives. Be bold. Be brave. Don’t be a wimp.”

Neal Patterson

“The future can be changed in the present.”

Neal Patterson

“You have to have fun along the way. You can’t wait for it.”

Neal Patterson