At the DNR, Pat played a lead role in the state’s floodplain management program with responsibilities in the areas of program management, rule-making, and outreach. A highly effective communicator, she excelled in working with local governments to gain their cooperation in adopting sound floodplain rules and regulations.

Pat was highly active in ASFPM since its founding in 1977 and served as chair of the association’s board of directors from 1978-79. She was just the second chair in the association’s history — a remarkable achievement given the male-dominated nature of the profession at the time.

At ASFPM, Pat worked to promote and advocate a national approach to reducing the impacts of flooding across the United States. When Pat was chair, she put a notice in the American Planning Association’s newsletter that the Midwest states were meeting with NFIP officials to discuss concerns about the NFIP maps. Instead of the six Region 5 states showing up, there were people from 19 states in attendance, including Alaska, California, and New York. That’s when the association knew it need to expand beyond its Midwestern roots and take a national perspective.

In addition, Pat advocated for women in the workplace and was an early champion of environmental causes, regularly giving of her time and energy to causes in which she believed. As she built her career, she not only focused on moving herself ahead but served as a mentor and coach to help others, particularly women, achieve their goals.

“Pat was instrumental in broadening ASFPM from a Midwest group to a national group,” said Larry Larson. “She was a great leader and mentor, but mostly a great person. We miss her greatly and remember her fondly.”

Pat passed away on Dec. 21, 2021. She was 74.