PATRICK ROME

Independent Director | Higher Education Consulting

Throughout my professional journey, I have dedicated more than 38 years to executive leadership and consulting, with experience spanning strategic planning, financial analysis, executive mentoring, fund development and grant writing, community partnership development, government relations, organizational governance, and registered apprenticeship.

In addition to my consulting work, I am actively interested in board service as an independent director and advisor, contributing board-level oversight in strategy, finance, risk, and governance. I have provided guidance to businesses, institutions, and nonprofit organizations across numerous industries and education, and I value practical governance that strengthens performance, integrity, and long-term sustainability.

A rewarding part of my career has been mentoring individuals facing disadvantages and advancing workforce development through community initiatives and employer partnerships.

My educational background includes degrees in Finance, Management, Accounting, and Higher Education Leadership. With experience as an entrepreneur, business executive, and investor partner, I bring a disciplined approach to growing revenues, products, services, capacity, and profitability while aligning organizations around clear priorities and measurable outcomes.

Contact

Independent Director

What I Bring to the Boardroom:
* Governance and Board Effectiveness
* Organizational Best Practices, Plans & Policies
* Strategy & Execution Oversight
* Finance, Audit & Performance Management
* Risk, Compliance & Controls
* Succession Planning & Leadership Development
* Professional Directors Association - Private Company Governance Certificate
* Professional Directors Association - ESOP Governance Essentials Certificate
* ERISA Experience

Higher Education Consulting Services

Services:
* Strategic planning & initiative development (priorities, roadmaps, KPIs, execution cadence)
* Governance, policy & operational effectiveness (best practices, policies, processes, procedures)
* Accreditation & compliance readiness (gap analysis, evidence systems, reaffirmation support)
* Professional development & leadership training (trustees, senior teams, program leaders)
* Workforce development strategy & partnerships (employer engagement, pipelines, consortia)
* Program development & alignment (new programs, program improvement, outcomes assessment)
* Registered apprenticeship standards & implementation (program design, sponsor support, launch)
* Grant strategy, writing & partnership development (funding alignment, proposals, partner roles)