Blast from the Past

Patti’s journey is one of perseverance, purpose, and passion. Raised with strong values by parents who emphasized the importance of family and community, she has carried those lessons with her throughout her life. Today, those same values are guiding her family through a challenging time, as her husband Brett prepares for a significant medical procedure. Yet, as we spoke with Patti, her calm strength and quiet confidence were unmistakable—not born of bravado, but of deep resilience and clarity. It’s no surprise that Nationwide recognized these qualities in her, and why she continues to excel in her role.

A native Arizonan, Patti’s roots run deep. Her grandparents moved from New Mexico in the early 1950s to work in the copper industry. Her parents met in high school in the mining town of Superior, later settling in Tempe to attend Arizona State University. Her father was a standout student-athlete and coach, while her mother pursued a career in education, eventually becoming an elementary school principal. Patti and her sister attended Marcos De Niza High School, where they were both active in sports. Patti’s talent in volleyball earned her a scholarship to Saint Louis University, where she graduated in 1998.

After college, Patti returned to the Valley and married her high school sweetheart, Brett. Together, they raised three children—Noah, Preston, and McKenzie—all of whom inherited the family’s athletic spirit. For many years, Patti also coached club and high school volleyball. We joked that sports must be in their DNA! Patti and Brett have continued the family tradition of community involvement and faith, values instilled by her parents. Whether volunteering at St. Mary’s Food Bank or supporting Central Arizona Shelter Services—where she serves on the board—Patti leads by example, often bringing her children along to serve.

Patti’s professional journey began with a summer internship at Banner Health, which led to a full-time job offer from IBM, thanks to her involvement with INROADS—a program that connects talented students with corporate opportunities. After a few years at IBM, Patti chose to stay home to raise her children. 

When 9/11 reshaped the world, Brett launched his own business, and Patti reconnected with INROADS, where she worked from 2001 to 2012. Around this time, a serendipitous moment occurred—while mentoring an intern at Scottsdale Insurance (now Nationwide), Patti had a strong feeling she belonged there. Not long after, a friend encouraged her to apply for a role at Nationwide. She joined the company in 2016 and has been making an impact with them ever since.

Inspired by fellow Nationwide colleague and Class 17 alumna Doreen Reinke, Patti joined Scottsdale Leadership and graduated with Class 35 in 2020. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, she gained valuable insights into the Scottsdale community and how to serve it. Today, she helps Nationwide direct its outreach budget to support meaningful causes.

Patti finds deep fulfillment in her work, often starting her day early to connect with colleagues on the East Coast. She thrives on continuous growth, drawing strength from her deep commitment to family. As her husband Brett prepares for a bone marrow transplant, their resilience shines. Fittingly, Patti once donated her own stem cells to help a stranger—an inspiring reflection of her generous spirit.

Family continues to be Patti’s anchor and joy. She loves hosting game nights filled with laughter, food, and connection. Once Brett’s health is restored, they look forward to resuming their travels and spending more time at their summer home near Flagstaff. Patti has no plans to slow down—and that’s great news for everyone who benefits from her leadership, including Scottsdale Leadership.