About Pat

Despite what you might assume from my name, I was born on the bayou, in Thibodaux, Louisiana, where I grew up in a very good family and community, cut grass for pocket change, earned my Eagle Scout badge, learned to play the clarinet badly and the piano even worse, and graduated in the final class to finish at our small-town boys’ Catholic high school, whose football benches I warmed consistently unless we were either hopelessly behind or irreversibly ahead.

I received my BS in Economics from LSU after trying several majors. By the time my credit hours threatened to eject me, I discovered a true interest in psychology and entered the doctoral program at the University of Georgia, earning a PhD in clinical psychology. I came to Charleston for an internship at MUSC, directed by my former professor, Dr. John Roitzsch, also an Islander.

I joined the MUSC faculty, becoming Director of the Weight Management Center and Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Since 2019, I’ve continued part-time in these roles while focusing on Island service.

The chance to serve my neighbors, however, has been my most cherished opportunity.  Since buying my first home on the Island in 1985, I have been vitally interested in how we preserve the things that drew us here in the first place, while integrating our Island quality of life with modern times.  I was appointed to the Island’s Planning Commission in 1993, and served as a member and/or Chair until 2001, when I was first elected to Town Council. My neighbors have blessed me with their trust in all the subsequent elections to Council, and starting in 2015, as Mayor. 

While no Mayor or Councilmember accomplishes anything alone, I believe my leadership has been important to a number of significant Island accomplishments, some of which are shown on the accomplishments page, which I urge you to review.

This is my bio to date. I ask you to let me add to it four more years of Island service!

The last four years serving with the Town Council and staff have only deepened my commitment to the Island. I am blessed with good health and energy, and I remain eager to continue this work. I take pride in my integrity and straightforward approach; I am committed to communicating openly with my constituents and ensuring their voices are heard. 

The current council has achieved much: stormwater management projects underway, expanded resident outreach and communication, open budgeting with stronger investments, improved access to our maritime forest, a comprehensive resilience plan, upgrades to Town facilities, and smooth leadership transitions, including a new Town Administrator, Police Chief, Municipal Judge, and our first Director of Resilience and Natural Resources.

It has also been rewarding for me to support community initiatives that reflect the Island spirit, whether through the Sullivan’s Island Club, Battery Gadsden Cultural Center, LENS of Sullivan’s Island, or the Police Department’s holiday bike drive.

I believe I have laid the foundation for remarkable progress ahead. With my experience and energy, I am confident that I can help lead the Island forward while preserving its irreplaceable character.