Patricia Richards

Patricia Richards

Patricia’s primary responsibilities as Director, Disability Supplier Diversity Program® (DSDP) include: developing and leading the implementation of DSD) strategies with a strong focus on strengthening the certification process; increasing the number/categories of certified disability-owned business enterprises (DOBEs) within the system; assisting corporations and agencies with their business disability programs; building a strong network of support for DSDP among stakeholders; and acting as a liaison with USBLN affiliates across the U.S. In addition, she will works to forge relationships in both the public and private sectors.

She is an experienced management professional with extensive knowledge in designing and implementing supplier diversity programs and business strategies that get powerful results. She has more than twenty years of experience in helping forge dynamic relationships between corporations, minority and women business owners and business/community support organizations. Patricia enjoys bringing her effectiveness and passion for inclusion to the arena of businesses owned by people with disabilities, including service-disabled veterans.

Patricia has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and master’s in business administration from the University of Phoenix. She has served on boards and committees for organizations including the National Minority Supplier Development Council, the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, and the Supplier Diversity Group of the Institute for Supply Management.