Experienced in determining appropriate transactions between for profit companies and non-profits!
With over 45 years of professional experience, Patricia Sterne Evans is a highly respected nonprofit leader, strategic consultant, and public policy advocate, whose career has spanned multiple sectors, including nonprofit management, community engagement, grant writing, and high-profile event planning. Known for her commitment to fostering community development and promoting equitable opportunities, Patricia has dedicated her career to organizations that directly impact public well-being and social empowerment.
Patricia’s career is rooted in her broad expertise in organizational leadership, event management, fundraising, budgeting, and community outreach. Her work as a grant consultant since 2014 reflects her comprehensive approach to nonprofit funding strategies, from prospecting and outreach to follow-up reporting and grant submissions. As a self-employed consultant based in Baltimore, Maryland, Patricia currently supports the efforts of Park Heights Renaissance, Inc., providing strategic grant services that help the organization fulfill its community-focused mission. Her client history includes impactful organizations such as the Caroline Friess Center, HOPE (Home Ownership for Personal Empowerment), Lanterman Housing Alliance, and Los Angeles Review of Books, demonstrating her versatility and commitment to diverse causes.
Previously, Patricia served as the Executive Director for The Friends of the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA, where she became the organization’s first professional staff member. In this role, she instituted financial management procedures, cultivated member communication, established board committees, and created the organization’s first three-year strategic plan. Her leadership was instrumental in expanding The Friends’ programmatic efforts and increasing annual gala revenue by 20%. Patricia’s strategic insight and hands-on management have also left a significant mark at other nonprofits, including Best Buddies International, where she oversaw a statewide budget of $800,000, managed a statewide team of nine, and successfully led campaigns to increase program reach and social media engagement across California.
As Vice President of Development and Individual Giving at Starlight Children’s Foundation, Patricia spearheaded a robust individual giving program and directed national events, including an annual gala that raised over $1.2 million—double its previous revenue. She also managed Starlight’s national Workplace Giving program, engaging federal and state-level support and fostering partnerships to ensure sustainable funding. Her leadership extended to guiding board members on fundraising strategies, making her a trusted advisor at the senior executive level.
In addition to her role at Starlight, Patricia contributed to notable fundraising efforts as the Senior Event Manager at the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. There, she managed high-profile events, including the organization’s annual “A Time for Heroes” celebrity carnival, raising over $10 million in five years. Her responsibilities ranged from securing corporate sponsorships to managing logistics for events attended by prominent figures, securing her reputation as a seasoned professional in event planning and public relations.
Beyond her professional achievements, Patricia is active in community development initiatives. She previously served on the California State Licensing Board, where she held roles as member, vice-chair, and chair. Additionally, her volunteer work with organizations such as America’s Charities and the Baltimore Mayor’s Office for Neighborhood Safety & Engagement has reinforced her dedication to creating sustainable, positive change in her community.
Patricia’s educational foundation in Advertising and Marketing from the University of Florida provided her with the communication and strategic planning skills that she has leveraged throughout her career. Known for her ability to engage and inspire stakeholders, she brings an analytical approach to financial reporting, budgeting, and organizational strategy, helping each organization she works with reach new levels of impact.
Driven by a personal mission to create opportunities for community growth and advancement, Patricia is actively exploring board roles where she can continue to contribute her strategic vision, expertise in fundraising, and passion for public engagement. Whether in a nonprofit or for-profit capacity, Patricia is committed to helping organizations enhance their outreach, fulfill their missions, and build stronger communities.
Character
Patricia is a dedicated and passionate advocate for community development and equal opportunities, demonstrating a deep commitment to impactful social change throughout her career.
Knowledge
With over 45 years of experience, Patricia possesses extensive knowledge in nonprofit management, grant writing, event planning, and public engagement, effectively supporting a wide range of organizations.
Strategic
Patricia is a strategic thinker who has successfully developed and implemented multi-year plans, budget management systems, and fundraising initiatives that consistently drive organizational growth and impact.
Communication
Patricia excels in clear, impactful communication, engaging stakeholders across levels, from board members to community partners, to strengthen relationships and ensure mission success.
