Public Administration alumna named 'Woman of the Year'

• June 23, 2011 9:00am

Patricia Gardner, '86 Master of Public Affairs and Administration, has been selected “Woman of the Year for 2011” for Assembly District 24 by Assemblyman Jim Beall.

Gardner is the Executive Director of the Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits, representing more than 200 Health and Human Service nonprofit agencies in Santa Clara County. 

She has led this organization since 2001 after being a nonprofit executive manager for over 20 years. She has a strong background in public policy advocacy and brings a depth of experience in working for both nonprofits and in the political process.

Gardner was recognized as one of 80 Women of Influence in Silicon Valley by the San Jose Business Journal. In 2007, she was appointed by Supervisor Gage to the Blue Ribbon Committee on Housing and Homelessness and Supervisor Kniss’ ('85 MPA) Health Care Solutions Taskforce. In 2008, she was appointed by Mayor Reed to the General Fund Structural Deficit Stakeholder Group.  She has spoken before numerous policy makers, elected officials and foundation leaders on the nonprofit issues, governance and nonprofit contracting.

She is currently an American Leadership Fellow Class 20.  She is recognized statewide as a board member for the California Association of Nonprofits (CAN) Public Policy Council, Chairperson, CAN Statewide Nonprofit Regional Partnership.

DD