A native Californian with a degree in biology from Stanford, Patty has an extensive background working in land management and habitat restoration. Patty is the Founder and President of Stewards of Soquel Forest, which supports the mission of the Soquel Demonstration State Forest, and she has been the Saratoga Area Manager and the Programs Manager for the Santa Clara County Firesafe Council where she directed hazardous fuel reduction and wildfire prevention programs along with community outreach and fundraising.

Patty brings her expertise in wildfire evacuation and vegetation management to the multi-million dollar SR-17 Shaded Fuel Break Project, which focuses on a 6.5 mile corridor along Highway 17 in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Earlier in the year, Governor Newsom declared a state of emergency and deemed this thoroughfare to be one of the most vulnerable to wildfire in the state. The Santa Clara County FireSafe Council, led by Patty, is partnering with CAL FIRE and Caltrans on this project to create a safer escape route along Highway 17 in the event of a wildfire incident.
Outside of work, Patty is a self-proclaimed native plant enthusiast, wildlife tracker and map geek. She makes her home in the Santa Cruz Mountains with her rescued German Shorthair named “Dash”.