BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

 

As a Las Sendas Board Director, I desire to be continuously open to hearing residents’ viewpoints, concerns, and new ideas. In my observation, our community’s volunteer board and committee members are men and women dedicated to encouraging two-way communication, have a willingness to adapt and change, lead with honesty and fairness, and have the ability to ask for help from those who are more knowledgeable.

My 37-year career as a senior leader in public relations and marketing for healthcare systems and private universities has prepared me for my service with the Las Sendas Community Association (LSCA). The professional experiences that contribute to my work with the LSCA include brand development and image management; community and government relations; alumni and donor development; student recruitment; patient relations; senior leadership counsel in issues management and media relations; and the strategic integration of the full breadth of communication materials.

 

Prior community engagement includes chairing and serving on non-profit boards, including three chambers of commerce organizations, philanthropic clubs, a volunteer recruitment and service program hub, a performing arts center, a school district, a business district property owners’ alliance, senior adults’ program, and more.

We moved to Las Sendas in 2019 from Palos Verdes, California. My husband Tommy and I have two married daughters and two granddaughters. I have a bachelor's degree in journalism and public relations from San Diego State University and a master’s degree in health administration from the University of LaVerne.

As we cross paths, I encourage you to share with me what’s on your mind. I care about your Las Sendas experience and fully believe that together, our thoughts and actions will benefit our beloved Las Sendas community.

 

Pat has lived in Las Sendas for 23 years, raised 3 boys here and has volunteered in the Mesa community.  She knows many of her neighbors and is vested in Las Sendas.

 

Pat is a CPA with over 30 years’ experience in finance/audit, which includes public accounting, as well as 20+ years in the media industry and 9 in public school industry. She served on the board for Aster Aging in the East Valley for 8 years, previously known as East Valley Adult Services. She also served on the education committee for the Accounting & Financial Women's Alliance (AFWA) East Valley Chapter, which taught financial literary in the community. In her current role with Gilbert Public Schools, she prepares the annual budget, annual financial report, monthly financials, and various other statutory required reports & filings.

 

In her appointed role as Treasurer, Pat looks forward to collaborating with the Las Sendas Management Team, contracted vendors and other committee members to provide financial oversight and ensure accurate and timely financial reporting, annual budget and investment results.

 

 

Pat grew up in North Dakota, where she served on various local and regional boards ranging from chambers of commerce to church to higher education. Her seven-year appointment to the North Dakota Board of Higher Education allowed her to participate in a multi-million-dollar enterprise dedicated to the success of thousands of students. One highlight was her year as president, where she gave the graduation address at the University of ND and received her Masters of Public Administration.

Pat started her professional career as a flight attendant (which explains her love for travel) and went on to own a marketing and communications firm. Later, she served as executive director for a statewide pharmacy association and concluded the last thirteen years as chief learning officer for a tech company in St. Louis, retiring in 2019. Dr. Shafer has a BS in Communications, MPA, and a Ph.D. in Organizations and Management. She is also certified in Ken Blanchard’s Situational Leadership.

Pat and her husband Rod built their Las Sendas home in 2012. They have five adult children and four grandchildren (with number five due in late August). Family is a primary focus for Pat and Rod, which demands considerable travel to Washington, Virginia, and North Dakota. In addition to playing golf and pickleball, Pat is a certified Yoga instructor and has filled in for instructors at the Las Sendas Fitness Center.

Giving back to the community by sharing time and talent has always been important to Pat, and serving on the Las Sendas Board of Directors is part of that commitment. Her background in business, politics, learning, and people development provides a strong point of reference as the board works to achieve quality outcomes that best meet the needs of Las Sendas residents. She currently serves on the Architectural Review Committee for Custom Homes. Residents should feel free to contact Pat on any issues, whether it’s a concern or a compliment.