Raised in Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Patterson brings to OneReef a passionate conservation and community resource management career spanning more than fifteen years in leadership and management. Previously he served as a Regional Coordinator for the USAID Climate Ready Project coordinating support to three Pacific countries (Palau, FSM, and RMI). Patterson also served the United Nations Development Program GEF-Small Grants Programme as FSM’s first National Coordinator. Patterson served as Executive Director of the Conservation Society of Pohnpei (CSP) in the FSM where he advocated for community-driven solutions, community-led governance, and community participation for progressive community-level development. He has served: as a former President of the Pohnpei Lions Club where he founded a community-based organization called MLMDA; on the Micronesia Bound Incorporated Board of Directors in service for at-risk youth program; two terms in the Madolenihmw Municipal Government Legislature where he consecutively chaired the standing committee on Education; and as a member of the Micronesians in Island Conservation (MIC) network for leaders in conservation. He also served eight years in the United States Armed Forces (ARMY) military service and is a veteran of the 1991 Iraq campaign. Patterson is a grandfather and would like to pass on to his children and grandchildren to enjoy Pohnpei’s pristine paradise and happy home and cultivate in his children the spirit of responsibility and duty to carry on the work to preserve and protect Pohnpei.