Kenneth Patterson

Military Service:

• Rank: Private 2

  Branch/Position: Army

  Period: July 1989 - July 1992

  Occupation: Heavy Anti-armor Weapons Crewman

  Duties Description:

  Your experience as the regimental Colonel's driver and communications expert at Fort Ord Army Base offers a solid foundation for running a nonprofit in several key areas:

  Leadership and Accountability: Being in close proximity to the regimental Colonel, you were likely exposed to decision-making processes and high-level strategy. This can translate into the ability to make informed decisions quickly and effectively, a crucial skill for managing nonprofit operations.

  Logistics and Coordination: As a driver, you were responsible for ensuring the Colonel's transportation was seamless and efficient, which mirrors logistical operations in a nonprofit. Managing schedules, coordinating events, and overseeing operational flow are vital aspects of nonprofit management, where timing and precision are critical.

  Communication and Strategic Messaging: As a communications expert, you honed your ability to convey important information clearly and accurately. In nonprofit work, especially in advocacy and outreach, effective communication with stakeholders, partners, and beneficiaries is paramount. Your experience likely taught you how to relay complex messages to different audiences in a concise and persuasive manner.

  Confidentiality and Trust: Working closely with senior military officials likely required you to manage sensitive information, ensuring confidentiality and trust. Nonprofits, particularly those working in sensitive areas, need leaders who can protect donor information, beneficiary details, and proprietary organizational strategies.

  Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Whether navigating unpredictable events on the road or managing communications under pressure, your role sharpened your ability to think on your feet and problem-solve. Nonprofit environments often require adaptive solutions to overcome challenges related to funding, resources, or operational hurdles.

  Team Collaboration: You worked within a structured, hierarchical environment that emphasized teamwork and collaboration. This is essential in a nonprofit context, where diverse teams come together to achieve a common mission. Your experience working in a team-oriented setting would enable you to foster a positive organizational culture within the nonprofit.

  My skills can be leveraged to manage and grow the We Serve Together initiative by leading and helping to navigate complex challenges and drive impactful results. 

Work history:

• Job Title: IT Contractor

  Company: WorkMarket Inc.

  Period: June 2015 - present

  Role Description:

  Accomplished IT and communications professional with 27 years of experience in technical software applications and business hardware technology. A dedicated seven-year Army Combat Veteran, skilled in working with classified electronic systems and high-stakes communications. Highly safety-conscious and results-driven Telecommunications Technician with a proven ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Specializes in rapid response to communication outages and resolving issues within tight time frames. Committed to delivering exceptional results and customer satisfaction with minimal supervision. Energetic, highly organized, and consistently professional in all endeavors.