John Patrick’s formative experiences started by being raised on a farm, and then devoting 35 years to public service. Mostly, he served as a federal law enforcement officer: first as a Postal Inspector in Memphis and St. Louis and then as a Special Agent with the Office of Inspector General in Washington DC. He also worked in his career as a financial and performance auditor of governmental programs, evaluating regional and national programs for fraud, waste, and abuse. He knows where to look for crimes against the public welfare and how to ensure that government is efficient and accountable.
After retiring from government, John Patrick received a promotion: to being a young farmer again. His family’s Cheatham County farm is a continuation of his public service – providing food for neighbors and preserving a productive piece of land for the last eight years. This farm, near Ashland City, has truly enabled him to put down roots in this District as it faces the challenges and opportunities of the growing Middle Tennessee Region. It also has enabled him to serve in leadership positions on local, State, and Regional Boards and teach a graduate course at Lipscomb University.
EDUCATION
George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Doctorate Program in Environmental Science and Policy (ABD) 2009
Major field of study: Environmental Policy, Ecological Sciences, and Sustainable Agriculture
Washington University, St. Louis, MO
Masters of Engineering Policy in Technology and Human Affairs, 1999
Major field of study: Environmental Law, Regulations, and Management; Technological Assessments
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Bachelor of Science in Public Administration, 1988.
DUTIES AND EXPERIENCES
Foggy Hollow Farm (co-owner), farmer, teacher, Board member, 2010-Present
– USDA Certified Organic farm with vegetables, fruits, livestock, and poultry
– Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SSARE) Administrative Council member
– Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group (Southern SAWG) Board member
– Adjunct professor of graduate course in Sustainable Food Practices at Lipscomb University
– Cumberland River Compact Board member 2011-2014
– Owner/builder of a LEED Platinum Certified Home.
Office of the Inspector General (OIG), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA, D.C.), 2008-2010
Program Analyst (Internal Auditor), Office of Program Evaluation
(The OIG is considered to be the “watchdog” of the EPA, preventing fraud, waste, and abuse.)
Co-authored national agency reports evaluating EPA programs:
– Implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 2010
– Implementation of the Toxic Substances Control Act 2010
– Climate Change Research 2009
– Researched EPA programs, coordinated with team members to develop strategies and
methodologies of the evaluations, developed questions and scheduled interviews nation-wide,and documented sources. Analyzed and synthesized the collected information into written reports for Congress and the United States public.
Office of the Inspector General (OIG), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA, D.C.), 2003- 2008
Special Agent, Office of Investigations (Federal Law Enforcement Officer)
National Desk Officer for the Grant Fraud Investigations and Administrative Violations
Mentor, assist, and educate EPA Special Agents and outside organizations on grant investigations and administrative violations:
– Authored guidance documents to EPA Special Agents identifying and detailing general, tribal, nonprofit, and State Revolving Funds fraud investigations
– Organized and presented one-week training forums to EPA Special Agents covering grant fraud
– Planned and presented numerous fraud presentations to EPA personnel, Tribal forums, nonprofits, regional and state environmental directors, and to the National Science Foundation Fraud Conference
United States Postal Service (USPS), Postal Inspection Service (Memphis TN and St. Louis MO), 1990-2003
Postal Inspector (Federal Law Enforcement Officer)
Investigated criminal and civil violations of postal laws:
– Made arrests, testified in court, and authored comprehensive reports
– Collaborated with other federal and local law enforcement agencies, including undercover operations
– Conducted and led mail fraud investigations and USPS national financial reviews 1990-2003
– Team Leader for the Midwest Region Anti-Terrorism Task Force, post 9/11/2001.
OTHER QUALIFICATIONS
Certifications:
– Certified Internal Auditor 2001
Training courses:
– Executive Nonprofit Management Certificate – Georgetown University 2005
Honors, awards, and special accomplishments:
– Formed the Mid TN Growers to connect local farmers and citizens 2012 – present
– Cheatham County Community Enhancement Coalition member 2017 – present
– Davidson County Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnership (MAPP) member 2013.
– Featured speaker for the University of Arkansas School of Environmental Dynamics Colloquium 2010
– Keynote Speaker for the Professional Asset Management Conference 2009 in Washington, D.C.
– Division Headquarters Diversity Committee member 1995-2002
– Big Brother Mentor in St. Louis 1998-2003
– Nominated by Governor of Missouri and Tennessee, respectively, and appointed by the President to the Selective Service Local Board in St. Louis 2000 and in Memphis in 1993.
– State President, National Association of Letter Carriers 1980-1982, NALC union steward 1978-1988.