Patricia has served as the Washington State Long-Term Care Ombuds since August 2011. Ms. Hunter has worked in the field of aging for over two decades advocating for elders and individuals with disabilities. She serves on many statewide workgroups and committees focusing on aging and disabilities and works closely with policymakers, legislators, and consumer advocates on improving the long-term care system. Prior to this role, she developed and directed programs and policy for the Alzheimer’s Association Western and Central WA State Chapter. Patricia has worked as a consultant on translational research, assisted in developing best practice models in Alzheimer’s caregiving and in evidence-based programs for people living with memory loss, and worked on systems change on the state and national levels. In May of 2024, Patricia was elected by her peers to serve as the President of the National Association for State Long-term Care Ombudsmen Programs (NASOP). She holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Central Washington State University and a master’s in social work from the University of Washington in Seattle. She is an alumna of Leadership Tomorrow, Class of 2008. Patricia has recently earned a certificate in diversity, equity, and inclusiveness for leaders from the E-Cornell Program. Since 2023, Patricia as a volunteer has been training others about aging and ageism through a local organization that focuses on transformational leadership. Her interests outside of work include the arts, especially music, and spending time with her family and friends. She is also a dance “ZUMBA” exercise enthusiast.