Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Additional Leadership & Facilitation
Certification
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic

Patti Hearn

Seattle,WA

Summary

Executive nonprofit and education leader with 25+ years advancing youth development, equity-centered programming, and organizational change. Proven record leading multi-million-dollar operations, statewide initiatives, and cross-functional teams. Deep expertise in K–12 systems, trauma-informed practices, and data-driven strategy. Strong collaborator with public agencies, school districts, and community partners, building sustainable programs that improve outcomes for marginalized youth.

Overview

2026
2026
years of professional experience
8
8
Certifications

Work History

Executive Director

Seattle Out & Proud Foundation | Seattle Pride
Seattle, Washington
2023 - Current

Lead strategic, programmatic, and operational transformation of one of Washington’s largest community-serving nonprofits, serving 350,000+ annually with programs centered on LGBTQIA+ youth and families.

Leadership, Program Strategy, & Impact

  • Tripled youth and arts programming; launched paid internship program with 100% BIPOC youth participation.
  • Advanced regional collaboration by convening cross-organization leadership forums on equity and youth advocacy.
  • Integrated accessibility practices including ADA seating, sensory zones, ASL access, and community care supports.

Organizational Growth & Fiscal Stewardship

  • Reversed operating losses and increased retained earnings by $300K.
  • Drove growth in individual donations threefold alongside substantial new grants from foundations.
  • Instituted the organization's first annual Impact Report, enhancing evaluation, accountability, and data-driven decision-making.

Cross-Functional Leadership

  • Oversee finance, development, communications, and program teams with a collaborative leadership model.
  • Produce the Seattle Pride Parade (~300K attendees), Seattle Pride in the Park (~15K attendees), and year-round arts and culture events, coordinating with state agencies, school partners, and community organizations.

Interim Head of School / Executive Director

Seattle School for Boys
Seattle, WA
2020 - 2022

Led strategic and program development during early organizational growth and the COVID-19 era.

  • Achieved 400% enrollment growth and 200% staff expansion while maintaining positive annual balances.
  • Implemented anti-racist curriculum, inclusive policies, and holistic student supports.
  • Established fundraising systems, raising $300K+ through campaigns and events.
  • Strengthened governance and operational infrastructure for long-term sustainability.

Founding Head of School

Lake Washington Girls Middle School
Seattle, WA
1998 - 2020

Founded and led Seattle’s first all-girls middle school, developing a nationally recognized, equity-centered model for student support and leadership development.

Program Leadership & Youth Development

  • Designed trauma-informed, anti-racist programs supporting BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and economically marginalized youth.
  • Established a comprehensive Student Services Program integrating mental-health supports, academic coaching, and proactive family engagement.

Organizational Growth & Stewardship

  • Expanded enrollment by 700% and staff by 200%, establishing leadership pathways for women in education.
  • Secured $2M+ in grants; directed community fundraising to $500K annually; delivered 100% clean audits.
  • Co-managed a $34M capital project in an innovative community partnership, raising $12M toward new award-winning facilities.

Systems-Building & Partnerships

  • Strengthened governance, evaluation systems, and cross-sector partnerships with schools, agencies, and nonprofits across Washington.

Education

Master Of Education (MEd) - Educational Leadership

Antioch University
Seattle, WA

Bachelor Of Arts (BA) - English

Rutgers University
New Brunswick, New Jersey, NJ

Teaching Certificate - English Education

Rutgers University
New Brunswick, New Jersey, NJ

Skills

  • Strategic planning
  • Fundraising
  • Program evaluation
  • Financial management
  • Equity frameworks
  • Community engagement and collaboration
  • DEIB training
  • Data analysis
  • Youth and education leadership
  • Trauma-informed practices
  • Budget development and management
  • Change management
  • Staff development and leadership
  • Policy advocacy partnerships
  • Stakeholder engagement
  • Impact evaluation and reporting
  • Board governance

Additional Leadership & Facilitation

Facilitator, NAIS Peer Circles for School Leaders
National Association of Independent Schools • 2023–Present
Lead a national peer circle for independent school and nonprofit leaders focused on equity-centered leadership and organizational change. Facilitate confidential peer learning, model reflective and inclusive leadership practices, and support professional collaboration across diverse institutions.
Deliver training and orientation for new facilitators, strengthening national facilitation capacity and contributing to a community of practice grounded in belonging and professional growth.

Principal, Verge Services
2018–Present
Provide coaching, strategic advising, and facilitation for mission-driven organizations seeking to strengthen equity, governance, and organizational culture. Design and lead workshops on inclusive leadership, change management, community engagement, and data-informed decision-making. Support boards and leadership teams in building sustainable, equity-aligned systems and practices. 

Certification

Dare to Lead Certification

Affiliations

Seattle Pride (Ex Officio)

Timeline

Executive Director

Seattle Out & Proud Foundation | Seattle Pride
2023 - Current

Interim Head of School / Executive Director

Seattle School for Boys
2020 - 2022

Founding Head of School

Lake Washington Girls Middle School
1998 - 2020

Master Of Education (MEd) - Educational Leadership

Antioch University

Bachelor Of Arts (BA) - English

Rutgers University

Teaching Certificate - English Education

Rutgers University