Patricia Fletcher

Principal Strategist
Aging Portfolio

Dr. Patricia Fletcher currently serves as the Principal Strategist, Aging Employment Portfolio. She has a diversified professional background, having worked for state, federal, not-for-profit, and private organizations and held several roles in publishing, marketing communications, and research. Before joining the NIH, Dr. Fletcher served as a Social Scientist for the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, Interagency Recovery Coordination Advisor for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Partnership Coordinator for the Census Bureau, Assistant Vice-President, and Marketing Manager for JPMorgan Chase, Director of Marketing and Public Affairs for Queens Hospital Center, and Executive Director for ElderCare Buddy. Additionally, she was an adjunct professor in communications and aging studies.

Dr. Fletcher is a strong advocate for inclusivity and combating ageism. She takes an interdisciplinary approach, combining perspectives from communication, gerontology, public policy, social change, and design thinking to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility for older adults. She is an active member and contributor to various organizations such as the American Public Health Association, Aging & Public Health Section (Section Council/Planning Committee Lead); the Gerontological Society of America (Disaster and Aging Section); and the Non-Governmental Organization Committee on Ageing, United Nations (Global Alliances and Human Rights of Older Persons). Previously, she served as the Vice-Chair and Public Art Commissioner for the Arts & Science Council, and in various age-related and community groups.

Dr. Fletcher has presented social science research at national and international conferences advocating for a more inclusive, anti-ageist, and equitable society for older adults. She holds a B.A. and an M.A. in Communication, an M.S. in Gerontology, and a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies of Public Policy and Social Change. She enjoys literature and visual/performing arts.