MEET PATRICK WATSON

Patrick grew up in a working-class family with deep Chicago roots and attended Chicago Public Schools throughout his childhood. A seventh-grade teacher inspired him to make college a reality, leading Patrick from Chicago Vocational High School to Lewis University, where he earned degrees in Accounting and Business Administration.

Patrick built a 25-year career in accounting and finance across the real estate, telecommunications, and engineering industries before transitioning into city government, where he has spent the past 13 years in public service. His experience has given him a strong foundation in financial stewardship and reinforced the importance of being responsible with public trust and public dollars.

 Patrick has spent decades serving the community that shaped him. In Pullman, he served as a block captain and zone director and has served on the board of the Pullman Community Center for more than 15 years.

 Patrick served on the local school councils at Keller Regional Gifted Center and Jones College Prep. During his service, he supported fundraising for computers, musical instruments, library books, sports equipment, and extracurricular activities while working with school administrations to support rigorous academics and greater parental partnership.