HWS News
5 December 2024 • Alums Patterson ’04 Takes the Lead on Strategic Initiatives at Us Against Alzheimer’s
Catherine Patterson ’04 has been named Director of Strategic Initiatives at UsAgainstAlzheimer’s, a nonprofit based in Washington, D.C.
Catherine Patterson ’04 says she found her passion for health during her time at Hobart and William Smith, including while studying abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark. There, she explored childhood development, igniting her commitment to supporting vulnerable children and families. This transformative experience led her to pursue a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Maryland.
In her new role as Director of Strategic Initiatives at UsAgainstAlzheimer’s, Patterson is spearheading innovative programs to transform healthcare for individuals with cognitive impairments. One such initiative is the Patient Pathways Project that is designed to address systematic challenges such as limited access to essential care and providers. Through her work, Patterson says she strives to create meaningful change for patients and their families.
“Health encompasses everything, including access to employment, housing, education and a safe environment,” says Patterson, sharing that her role enables her to “learn and stretch my brain while leveraging my skills and passion in service to those families and individuals impacted by Alzheimer’s.”
UsAgainstAlzheimer’s Chief Operating Officer Russ Paulsen says they were impressed by Patterson’s passion. “[Her] impressive background and commitment for equitable and optimal healthcare makes her the ideal person to lead our strategic initiatives.”
Before joining UsAgainstAlzheimer’s, Patterson worked for 10 years at the de Beaumont Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving the health of the public. During her time at de Beaumont, Patterson co-led a program called CityHealth, which aims to identify the root causes of poor health among urban residents and identify policy solutions to help all members of a community thrive.
While at Hobart and William Smith, Patterson earned her bachelor’s degree in public policy, an experience that deepened her appreciation for a liberal arts education. She expressed particular gratitude to her advisor, Professor of Sociology Renee Monson whose mentorship, she says, helped shape her into an inquisitive and well-rounded individual.
“If it wasn’t for my liberal arts education, I would have never taken a biology class, an art history class, or even an econometrics class. However, because of my education, I developed a deep curiosity about the world that was inculcated at HWS. This boundless curiosity, coupled with a deep commitment to serving children and families, is what compelled me to pursue my career in public policy.”
