Heather Patterson graduated from the University of North Florida, where she was a member of the softball team, earning a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1998 and a master’s degree in public administration in 2000. Upon graduation, she began working for the Jacksonville City Council as a legislative assistant. She later joined the University of North Florida as the Coordinator of Governmental Affairs and Board of Trustees.

In 2015, Heather transitioned from the public sector to the corporate world. For the past 10 years, she has served as a national account manager and executive assistant in the insurance and IT staffing industries.

Heather lives in St. Augustine, FL, and has been married to Chris Patterson for 23 years. They have three children: Tori (25), Tyler (20), and Cade (18). She enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching sports (especially her kids’), and going to the beach. She joined Lifeworks in January 2025 as Chief of Staff.