Julio Suárez Joins The Patterson Foundation as Vice President of Community Impact

The Patterson Foundation welcomes Julio Suárez as vice president of community impact. With more than 20 years of experience in philanthropic and mission-driven leadership, he will bridge philanthropic strategy, impact investing innovation, and community engagement to advance the Foundation’s mission to strengthen people, organizations, and communities in ways that foster wide participation around shared quality-of-life aspirations.

Prior to joining The Patterson Foundation, Suárez was the managing director at DRiWaterstone Human Capital, where he led executive searches and strategic consulting efforts for foundations, nonprofits, and mission-driven organizations nationwide. He also worked with foundation clients on consulting projects to support stakeholder research and engagement, strategic planning, and grantmaking programs.

His previous positions include head of the Anheuser-Busch Foundation and community affairs for AB InBev, where he oversaw $15 million in annual giving, in addition to serving as director of the Darden Restaurants, Inc. Foundation.

Suárez holds both a Bachelor of Arts in Communications Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Kansas, in addition to a Master of Business Administration from Baker University. He has shared his expertise on several funder and nonprofit boards throughout his career, including the St. Louis Community Foundation, the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, the Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals, and Philanthropy Missouri.

“Julio brings a rare blend of experience, insight, and heart that aligns wonderfully with The Patterson Foundation’s work and values,” said Debra Jacobs, president and CEO of The Patterson Foundation. “His deep expertise in philanthropy and impact-focused strategy will strengthen The Patterson Foundation in meaningful ways. Julio’s career reflects a dedication to helping others thrive, and we look forward to the possibilities his leadership will spark across our region and beyond.”

As the vice president of community impact, Suárez will lead the development and implementation of The Patterson Foundation’s impact investing program — investments designed to create a positive impact on our world. This includes exploring how impact investing can complement and amplify the Foundation’s existing work across Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties.

“I’ve long admired The Patterson Foundation’s innovative approach to philanthropy, and I’m thrilled to contribute to this important work,” said Suárez. “I look forward to exploring how impact investing can complement the Foundation’s collaborative approach and create new pathways for shared community aspirations and impact across our four-county region.”