Pat has more than 35 years’ experience in information technology, telecommunications, financial services, Government and Defence. She has held board director positions, senior executive positions, and specialised marketing communication roles. She is Australia/New Zealand Chair of the WPP Government & Public Sector Practice, an organisation that works with governments globally to foster best practice in government communication, a role she has held for six years.
Pat has previously served as a Director of the Australian Direct Marketing Association, the International Advertisers’ Association, and the Australian Marketing Institute, and is a Certified Practicing Marketer, Fellow and Lifetime Member of the Australian Marketing Institute.
She started her career in the information technology sector, culminating in her role as Marketing Communications Director for Amdahl Corporation in the Asia/Pacific. She then held senior marketing roles with Optus, Telstra, St. George Bank and MLC, which was then the wealth management division of the National Australia Bank. Prior to joining WPP, Pat spent close to ten years as the General Manager Marketing and Attraction for Defence Force Recruiting. In many of her roles, Pat was a client of WPP agencies. She has also consulted widely and provided training and education to state and federal government departments on topics ranging from communications to customer service to leadership and accountability.
Pat is a strong believer in the power of creativity to help governments engage effectively with their citizens, particularly when attempting to effect behaviour change. She has been a presenter at many conferences over the years on the power of brands and on effective behaviour change communication.
A native of Kentucky who grew up an Army brat, Pat has called Australia home her entire adult life.