Housing Forward today announced the hiring of Patricia Blasquez, a veteran Dallas communications, policy, and marketing leader, as the nonprofit agency’s first Chief External Relations Officer.
Blasquez will oversee strategic communications, marketing, government relations, and fundraising for the backbone organization that leads the development of an effective homeless rehousing system in Dallas and Collin counties. As a member of the senior leadership team, she will work closely with representatives from the 150 public, private, and nonprofit institutions that comprise the All Neighbors Coalition.
“Patricia is a dynamic, innovative communications leader with diverse experience across the public and private sectors,” said Sarah Kahn, Housing Forward President & CEO. “She has demonstrated a heart for public service in this community and is equipped to lead the Coalition’s strategic communications efforts and advance our mission to resolve homelessness We could not be more excited to add her to our leadership team.”
Blasquez joins Housing Forward from AT&T, where she led public relations for the global telecommunications company’s network Chief Technology Officer (CTO) from their headquarters in downtown Dallas for the past three years.
Prior to that role, she held multiple director positions for the Dallas Regional Chamber (DRC), one of the top business advocacy organizations in the country. At the DRC, she helped craft international economic development strategies, managed the national Say Yes to Dallas talent attraction campaign, and developed editorial content, speeches, and blogs.
From 2015 to 2019, Blasquez worked on policy and communications for then-mayor of Dallas Mike Rawlings. Her portfolio for the mayor included immigrant affairs, arts, media relations, and speech writing.
“Patricia never hesitated to coach me and make me a better leader during our time working together, especially on matters related to the arts and immigrant affairs,” said Mike Rawlings, former Dallas mayor. “I love her personal story of being born and raised in Manila, Philippines, and coming here as a young girl. It is part of what drives her public service.”
Patricia also previously worked at Visit Dallas and the International Rescue Committee (IRC).
She serves on the Board of Directors of the Frontiers of Flight Museum and previously served on the board of the West Dallas Boys & Girls Club (formerly Trinity River Mission). Blasquez holds a bachelor’s degree in international political economy from the University of Texas at Dallas and a master’s degree in strategic public relations from the George Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management.
“I am honored to join this incredible team and look forward to working with my colleagues and the All Neighbors Coalition to share the inspiring stories behind our historic progress and continued fight to end homelessness,” Blasquez said.
Blasquez’s first day on the job is Monday, July 22.
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