Emily Masters serves as the Program Officer for Community Engagement at the Patterson Family Foundation, where she plays a key role in strengthening relationships with rural communities and nonprofit across the catchment. Since joining the Foundation in 2021, Emily has advanced through several roles—from Operations Coordinator to Program Coordinator—gaining a deep understanding of the organization’s mission and approach to philanthropy.
Her work focuses on developing and implementing community engagement strategies that reflect the needs, values, and voices of rural residents. Emily is passionate about building trust and fostering meaningful, long-term partnerships that help rural communities thrive.
Before joining the Foundation, Emily worked in local government and interned in political advocacy with The Advance Group, experiences that shaped her commitment to public service and grassroots engagement.
“To me, a thriving rural community is a place where people feel supported, connected, and empowered to build a better future. I believe supporting rural communities in Missouri and Kansas is crucial to providing the resources they need to build on their existing strengths to continue growing and thriving. To me, a thriving rural community is a place where people feel supported, connected, and empowered to build a better future. I believe supporting rural communities in Missouri and Kansas is crucial to providing the resources they need to build on their existing strengths to continue growing and thriving.”
