Cool OC

MANAGEMENT

CEO/Executive Director

Patty Oh

CEO/Executive Director Experience

From seasoned business professional to passionate advocate for meaningful change, Patty Oh’s journey is a testament to the power of reinvention and commitment to a purpose-driven life. As the Executive Director of Cool OC, Patty leads efforts to educate the public on the pressing challenges of climate change and provide essential resources for sustainable living, climate change adaptation, and climate resilience. Patty’s career began with a 20-year tenure in sales, marketing, and brand management, culminating in six years as a sales and brand director for licensed Harley-Davidson products. In 2016, driven by a growing disillusionment with the business world's environmental impact, she began volunteering for neighborhood community organizations focused on voter engagement and climate change awareness. Recognizing a lack of Asian-American/Pacific Islander representation in progressive politics, Patty co-founded Asian Americans in Action in 2019. As a founding board member and VP of outreach for two years, and now as an advisor, she has worked tirelessly to engage the API community in local politics and build a bench of progressive API candidates for office. In the realm of climate change, Patty is a long-time activist. She has collaborated with various organizations to advocate for strong climate action plans, community choice energy, and increased public awareness of climate change challenges. As a trained Climate Reality Leader, having attended training by Former Vice President Al Gore’s Climate Reality Project, Patty served as Vice Chair of the OC Chapter, where she oversaw outreach and communications. Her work focused on engaging the community to advocate for local government action and educating the public about climate change mitigation and adaptation. In 2022, Patty was tapped to lead the successful Cool Irvine pilot program, which trained block leaders to guide neighborhood groups on sustainable living and disaster preparedness. The program also provided sustainability workshops and social events to build community among those concerned about climate change. Building on this success, she launched Cool OC to replicate the program in other cities and expand the programming to prioritize disadvantaged Orange County communities facing climate change impacts. As the Executive Director of Cool OC, Patty continues to expand this critical work throughout the region. Notably, Patty Oh is one of the few AAPI leaders to head an environmental nonprofit in Orange County and among the few in the nation. Her dynamic leadership and unwavering dedication have positioned Cool OC as a beacon of hope and action in the fight against climate change. Her work not only inspires but also empowers individuals and communities to make informed, impactful decisions for a sustainable future. Through her visionary leadership, Patty continues to drive systemic change and foster collaborative initiatives, ensuring that Cool OC remains at the forefront of environmental advocacy. Her story exemplifies the transformative power of purpose-driven activism, and her contributions are a testament to her commitment to creating a healthier, more sustainable world for all.

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