JOHNSON CITY (November 7, 2012) – East Tennessee State University welcomes Patricia C. Oldham, who has been named director of community outreach and economic development for the university’s Center for Community Outreach and Applied Research.

Oldham will support ETSU’s initiative to develop partnerships among the university, the Joint Economic Development Board of Unicoi Co., and the county’s business community. The collaborative effort will endeavor to expand and attract small businesses, encourage entrepreneurship, facilitate downtown revitalization, capitalize on tourism opportunities and support the coordination and execution of strategic planning for Unicoi Co. economic expansion efforts.

Oldham received a bachelor’s degree in government from Centre College of Kentucky in Danville, and was awarded a master of science degree in planning and economic development from the College of Architecture and Planning at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners.

A Johnson City native, Oldham initiated her public service career in the Washington, D.C., office of Tennessee First District Congressman James H. Quillen and then served with the City of Knoxville’s Department of Community Development and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Upon returning to the Tri-Cities region, Oldham established a successful planning consultancy, served as a town planner for Jonesborough, and was the economic development coordinator for Bristol, Va. She was employed as a director of marketing for the broadband, wireline and wireless telecommunications provider NTELOS, and most recently, as a city planner for Bristol, Tenn.

Since returning to the area, Oldham has devoted her efforts toward the Tri-Cities region’s success and quality of life. She was appointed to serve two terms as a commissioner on the Johnson City Municipal-Regional Planning Commission and the city’s Historic Zoning Commission. She served as chairperson for both entities. In addition, Oldham is a member of Rotary International and leader of Girl Scouts of the Southern Appalachians Troop 64.

Oldham and her husband reside in Johnson City with their two young daughters.