Brian K. Patterson
Peoria
Summary
A strategic educator with experience in for-profit, nonprofit, and government agencies, proficient at developing healthy, spiritually mature, and academically prepared leaders. Models expertise in crafting a cohesive work and/or learning environment that molds pastoral care, counseling theory, and the principles of Choice Theory together. Possesses extensive experience in equipping emerging leaders and educators through coaching, mentoring, and adult learning methods, promoting confidence, competence, and servant leadership. Highly effective in advancing the development of leaders, employees, faculty, and students for sustained personal, spiritual, and professional success.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Associate Pastor
Church of the Nazarene
- Youth minister to groups of up to 100 teens and young adults
- Directed choirs of up to 100 participants
- Led Bible Studies and inner city youth outreach
- Directed district programs and choirs
Pastor of nondenominational church plant
- Created ministry
- Developed bylaws and incorporation of nonprofit
- Led Board search and outreach development
Founder/ Principal Leadership Consultant
Connect and Lead, LLC, Brian Patterson Leadership
10.2020 - Current
- Designed and led workshops for leaders, including William Glasser International Symposium
- Facilitated five workshops for Glasser Scholars per year, leading to their certification in Choice Theory
- Authored proprietary framework for Connect and Lead model of management
- Co-Authored Choice Theory/ Reality Therapy chapter for The Encyclopedia of Mental Health Trainings, Certifications, & Credentials
- Authored Connect and Lead: Choice Theory at Work
- Collaborated on Seize Today For A Life of Health and Wellbeing
- "Brian is an excellent trainer who provides high-impact guidance. His constructive feedback elevated my work beyond what I thought possible. He truly cares about his clients' success, and I'm grateful for his coaching." Kelly Garland, Business Professor, Tallahassee State University (2026)
Executive Director/ Senior Faculty
Glasser Institute for Choice Theory- US
10.2020 - 04.2025
- Developed a strategy to direct organizational growth by translating the mission into annual priorities, measurable outcomes, and creating standard Choice Theory Leadership behaviors, resulting in improved program impact and long-term sustainability.
- Established and expanded our strategic partnerships via the Quality Schools committee, website revision, YouTube training, and student committees, thereby increasing the institute’s reach and sustainability.
- Designed and facilitated high-impact professional learning initiatives, such as regular faculty meetings, workshops, keynotes, cohorts, coaching, and three conferences, which enhanced opportunities for educators and counselors and promoted relationship-centered leadership across diverse environments.
- Enhanced stakeholder confidence by recruiting volunteer staff, recruiting four new board members, revising policies and procedures, optimizing communication and decision-making processes, resulting in more consistent delivery, clearer accountability, and increased satisfaction among learners and partners.
Operations Trainer II, Office of Professional Development
Arizona Department of Economic Security- Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
12.2019 - 10.2023
- Created Adult Learning Principles training for divisions of DES
- Led Instructor Certification classes (I had previously created)
- Lead facilitators for five workshop Arizona Management System (Lean) training for 8000 employees within the next two years
- Led Virtual New Employee Orientation, Customer Service, De-escalation, Critical Thinking, and Communication classes.
- Instructor Observation scores by supervisor: 4.9/ 5.0. Survey results of learners: 4.9/ 5.0
Senior Learning and Development Consultant
Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona- Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
04.2019 - 04.2020
- Assessed skill gaps for leaders and orchestrated coaching opportunities for 400+ leaders in retail, mission services and leaders of leaders, improving retention and satisfaction surveys
- Created Coaching Dynamics workshop for all people leaders
- Incorporated adult learning concepts and quality improvement skills to assess behavioral and ability issues, improving daily performance
- Pioneered daily, regular assessment, coaching and feedback initiatives
- Organized and updated training manuals, multimedia and other materials
- Delivered wide variety of courses focused on Problem Solving (Lean), intrinsic motivation and performance to enhance communication, team cohesion and group performance.
- Part of team who received 2019 Chairman’s Award for Excellence
- Laid off due to Covid- 19 force reduction
Leadership Development Specialist
Arizona Department of Economic Security Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
02.2015 - 04.2019
- Spearheaded Office of Professional Development team in creation/ delivery of Lean introduction for 98% of DES personnel in groups of 6- 250 (93% rating from learners)
- Drove operational improvements resulting in greater retention (+10%) and improved employee satisfaction (20%, on annual surveys)
- Created face-to- face leadership development experiences in communication, coaching and conflict resolution, examining policies and procedures
- Developed simple team communication formats for huddles, one- on- ones, and team meetings
- Facilitated adult learning for 1500 leaders in 185 workshops statewide
- Created and facilitated Security Awareness (active shooter) courses for local offices
- Lead facilitator and co- creator of Leadersights, director’s initiative, for all leaders at all levels. Personally led 86 four- hour sessions (20 participants from C- suite to line level) with a satisfaction rating average of 4.86/ 5.0
Director of Leadership and Student Engagement
Ombudsman Educational Services Glendale, AZ
Glendale, AZ
06.2010 - 02.2015
- Conferred with educators in 22 states (120 learning centers), creating classroom solutions for at- risk high school students
- Using concepts of Choice Theory, coached staff in assessing needs of and leading difficult students lifting performance (92% graduation rate)
- Created and conducted learning opportunities for teachers, counselors and staff in cultural transformation (traveling 33 weeks per year)
- Generated marketing materials accessing division talent for all programmatic efforts, including rewriting Policies and Procedures Manual for 120 schools in 22 states
- Designed and delivered train- the- trainer activities for company- wide implementation of Choice Theory (intrinsic motivation) concepts
- Demonstrated and coached learning center staff in maximizing productive relationships and resolving conflict and negotiating mutually beneficial agreements
- Progressive responsibilities over 12 years with alternative education company: part- time teacher, teacher, director and National Director of Leadership and Student Engagement
Learning Center Director
Ombudsman Educational Services Glendale, AZ
Glendale, AZ
06.2006 - 06.2010
- Recruited, trained and managed 5-10 teachers and support staff, serving 120 at- risk high school students (Retention rate of teachers- 98%, students- 95%)
- Conducted support meetings involving students, parents and staff to create individualized education programs- 95% graduation rate
- Improved enrollment and attendance by 20%, adding $60,000 to revenue
- Critical incidents down 50%, academic performance, student retention and teacher retention improved
- Positive parent involvement through workshops and coaching
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Education
MidAmerica Nazarene University
Olathe, KSMaster of Arts - Education (Emphasis in Quality Schools)
Graceland University
Lamoni, IAMaster of Science - Psychology (Emphasis in Life Coaching)
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZMaster’s Certificates - Transformational Leadership, Lean/ Six Sigma Black Belt, Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Executive Presence and Influence: Persuasive Leadership Development
Skills
- Coaching for development and implementation
- Positive culture development
- Coaching leaders and staff for positive personal development
- Adult Learning proficiency
- Previous secondary education, history, English certification
- Strategic plan coaching
- Excellent facilitation and public speaking
- Best practices research and development
- Excellent written communication, author
Certification
- Choice Theory/ Reality Therapy Faculty- William Glasser Institute
- Real Colors- National Curriculum and Training Institute
- Situational Leadership II- Ken Blanchard Companies
- Crucial Conversations- Vitalsmarts
- Life Coaching- Academy of Choice (NBCC)
- Franklin Covey Leadership
- Mobile Team Challenge
Timeline
Founder/ Principal Leadership Consultant
Connect and Lead, LLC, Brian Patterson Leadership
10.2020 - Current
Executive Director/ Senior Faculty
Glasser Institute for Choice Theory- US
10.2020 - 04.2025
Operations Trainer II, Office of Professional Development
Arizona Department of Economic Security- Phoenix, AZ
12.2019 - 10.2023
Senior Learning and Development Consultant
Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona- Phoenix, AZ
04.2019 - 04.2020
Leadership Development Specialist
Arizona Department of Economic Security Phoenix, AZ
02.2015 - 04.2019
Director of Leadership and Student Engagement
Ombudsman Educational Services Glendale, AZ
06.2010 - 02.2015
Learning Center Director
Ombudsman Educational Services Glendale, AZ
06.2006 - 06.2010
Pastor of nondenominational church plant
Bachelor of Arts - Education
MidAmerica Nazarene University
Master of Arts - Education (Emphasis in Quality Schools)
Graceland University
Master of Science - Psychology (Emphasis in Life Coaching)
Grand Canyon University
Master’s Certificates - Transformational Leadership, Lean/ Six Sigma Black Belt, Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Executive Presence and Influence: Persuasive Leadership Development
Associate Pastor
Church of the Nazarene