Jimmy Patterson, President

Jimmy Patterson and his wife, Karen, recently moved to the Houston area after 30 years in Midland, Texas. Jimmy was Director of Communications for the Diocese of San Angelo and editor of the diocesan newspaper from 2005-2017 and was a longtime writer and editor for the Midland Reporter-Telegram. Jimmy has been awarded for his writing and was named national Family Columnist of the Year in 2009 by the Catholic Press Association, and in 2013 for investigative reporting for writing from Amman, Jordan on the plight of displaced Syrian refugees and how they were aided by Caritas International. He is a recipient of the Fr. Michael J. McGivney Award for Volunteer Journalism for his story on efforts by Big Bend residents to assist the people of Boquillas, Mexico. Jimmy has written several books, including “A History of Character: The Story of Midland, Texas” (2014), and, with Midland oilman Jim Henry, is co-author of a series of award-winning children’s books, “Tales from Hoop N Holler.”

Jimmy’s wife, Karen, is an accomplished nature and landscape photographer. She and Jimmy together published a children’s picture book entitled “Midland A-Z” in 2017. He is currently working with Don Evans, former United States Secretary of Commerce (2001-2004), on his memoirs. Jimmy served as board president, interim executive director and fundraiser for The Way Retreat Center in Midland; was a board member for Midland Fair Havens, a transitional housing facility for women and their children, and was a member of his church’s parish council. He was also on staff in a communications and public relations capacity for United Way of Midland, the Midland Chamber of Commerce and Centers for Children and Families.