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Tracey Patterson
VP, Social Safety Net Programs at Code for America
Professional Background
Tracey Patterson is a dedicated and creative strategist and leader who has made significant contributions to the fields of public health, policy, research, and education over the past two decades. Her extensive experience embodies a continuous commitment to transformative social practices and policies aimed at eradicating health inequities, poverty, and food insecurity. Tracey's expertise in systems thinking enables her to approach complex issues with a holistic perspective, ensuring that underlying problems are effectively addressed through actionable strategies.
Tracey currently serves as the Vice President of Social Safety Net Programs at Code for America, where she leads initiatives aimed at improving access to vital social services across the United States. Her role involves overseeing various programs that are central to the organization’s mission of strengthening the social safety net through innovative technology and community engagement. Prior to this position, Tracey held several pivotal roles at Code for America, including Senior Program Director and Program Director of GetCalFresh, where she played a crucial role in navigating the complexities of public health policy as it pertains to food assistance programs.
Before her tenure at Code for America, Tracey was the Director of Engagement and Strategy at California Food Policy Advocates, where she advanced policy initiatives that addressed critical food access issues within the state. She also served as Director of Legislation, demonstrating her ability to drive legislative change through strategic advocacy and policy development. Tracey is known for her commitment to asset-based community initiatives that foster collaboration among local stakeholders to uplift communities and ensure equitable access to resources.
Education and Achievements
Tracey Patterson's educational background reflects her deep-rooted commitment to public health and environmental studies. She earned a Master of Public Health with a focus on Community Health at the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy. This advanced education equipped her with the necessary skills to tackle pressing health issues through strategic planning and community involvement.
Additionally, Tracey holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Oregon, providing her with a solid foundation for understanding the interplay between environmental factors and public health outcomes. Her academic training has undoubtedly informed her approach towards implementing large-scale systems change, as well as promoting policy advocacy that leads to impactful social outcomes.
Notable Achievements
Throughout her career, Tracey has been instrumental in leading collaborative campaigns that advocate for social justice and enhance public health outcomes. Her strategic planning and priority-setting abilities have garnered numerous successes, from designing educational programs at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden to serving as Southeast Food Access Program Manager at the San Francisco Department of Public Health. Furthermore, her tenure at the Louisiana Public Health Institute as a Health Promotion Specialist allowed her to engage in vital programs that emphasized community health and wellbeing.
Tracey’s passion for staff management and development highlights her human-centered leadership style, fostering an environment of growth and innovation within her teams. As a former Instructor at Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Associate Teacher at Head Start Of Lane County, she has cultivated the next generation of public health advocates and educators, providing a solid foundation for impactful community work.
Tracey Patterson remains a pivotal figure in promoting equitable access to food, health, and economic resources. Her legacy of community-based initiatives and advocacy work continues to inspire others in the field. Through her ongoing efforts at Code for America and beyond, she strives to create a more just society where everyone has a fair opportunity to thrive, reinforcing her reputation as a leader in public health and social advocacy.