Patricia Barceló-Sanders
Executive Director
Hailing from the rich tapestry of Guatemala, Patty’s journey to the United States in 1985 was one of survival and resilience, fleeing the ravages of war. With determination etched into her spirit, she embarked on a path defined by service, advocacy, and executive leadership, leaving an indelible mark on communities far and wide.
Patty earned her Juris Doctor from Centro Universitario de España y México in 2022, building on a foundation of more than three decades of progressive leadership across healthcare administration, nonprofit governance, legal operations, and business consulting. She currently serves as Executive Director of the Arizona Trauma Association, where she directs strategic, operational, and financial functions while advancing trauma-informed care across the state. Concurrently, she serves as Interim Executive Director of Owl & Panther, Associate Manager and Residency Administrator for Banner Health’s Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National Director of Strategic Engagement for the Society of Acute Care Surgery Chiefs (AAST), and as principal of her own advisory practice, Assiste Advisory Group. Her cross-sector fluency and capacity to lead multiple mission-driven organizations simultaneously have made her a distinctive voice in Arizona’s healthcare and business landscape.
Beyond her professional sphere, Patty’s heart beats with a passion for community outreach. From orchestrating clothing drives for Casa de Los Niños and refugees at Owl & Panther to spearheading toothpaste and toothbrush campaigns for children in the Dominican Republic, her commitment to uplifting others knows no bounds. She lends her expertise to organizations like Owl & Panther and the Tucson Museum of Art’s Kasser Family Wing Community Advisory Committee, shaping initiatives that empower and inspire.
Patty’s impact resonates far beyond her immediate circles. Her advocacy for refugees earned her the esteemed Ben’s Bell Award, a symbol of her unwavering dedication to those in need. In 2020, her tireless efforts were further recognized with the University of Arizona’s Individual Award for Excellence, and she has since been honored with the GME Team Award of Excellence, as well as the Arizona Trauma Association’s Mentoring Award and Leadership Award—five distinctions that collectively reflect her extraordinary contributions across healthcare, education, and community service.
Hers is a story of resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication—a beacon of hope in a world that thrives on kindness and service.