Patricia M. McDonald

Executive Assistant & Strategic Operations Partner

With over 25 years of experience, I partner with C-suite executives, vice presidents, provosts, and senior leadership teams to provide trusted, senior-level executive operations support. My work spans higher education, healthcare, corporate, nonprofit, and mission-driven organizations, often within complex, high-stakes environments where discretion, sound judgment, governance awareness, and operational rigor are essential.

This page offers a professional snapshot of the executive operations and leadership support I bring to organizations. It is intended as a reference for referrals, reconnections, and informed conversations. A downloadable resume and executive recommendation letters are available below.

👉 Download Resume and Recommendation Letters (PDF)

Executive Administrative Associate to Vice President and Associate Vice President

Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma

May 2024 – January 2026

Served as a senior executive operations partner within the Division of Access & Community Impact, supporting executive decision-making, operational strategy, fiscal oversight, and cross-functional execution across divisional initiatives, institutional partnerships, and community engagement efforts.

Key Contributions

Functioned as an extension of executive leadership, managing priorities, sequencing work, and ensuring leadership readiness across initiatives
Acted as delegated signature authority and fiscal officer, overseeing approvals, reconciliations, and stewardship of a $1.2M operating and foundation budget
Represented executive leadership as a trusted proxy in meetings, communicating priorities, decisions, and follow-through
Coordinated division-wide initiatives, timelines, and high-visibility events, ensuring alignment across stakeholders
Prepared executive briefings, leadership reports, presentations, and decision-support materials
Coordinated recruitment and onboarding workflows in partnership with HR and executive leadership, supporting staffing transitions and operational continuity
Supervised administrative staff, supporting execution, accountability, and operational consistency
Maintained the highest standards of discretion, integrity, and professionalism
Completed advanced coursework through the Oklahoma State University Leadership Development Program

Executive Administrative Assistant to Provost (Chief Academic Officer) and Associate Vice President, Academic Affairs

Oklahoma State University, Okmulgee, Oklahoma

March 2021 – May 2024

Provided executive operations and governance support to the Provost within a complex academic environment, supporting leadership coordination, institutional governance processes, and cross-campus initiatives impacting faculty, staff, and students.

Key Contributions

Supported executive operations for governance meetings, committee work, and leadership communications
Served as a central liaison between executive leadership, faculty leadership, department chairs, staff, and students
Managed a $35,000 academic operations budget with a focus on compliance and accountability
Led operational improvements to advising and scheduling systems, reducing student wait times by 50 percent
Developed executive summaries and reports to support leadership decision-making
Provided direct academic advising to more than 150 students, supporting retention and degree completion

Executive Assistant to Vice President, Communications and Public Relations

CHRISTUS Health, Irving, Texas

January 2017 – July 2020

Supported executive operations within a large, regulated, multi-state and international healthcare system operating across the southern United States and Latin America. The role focused on executive coordination, communications support, vendor oversight, and operational continuity across hospitals, clinics, and diverse care services.

Key Contributions

Managed executive priorities, calendars, and travel logistics to support leadership effectiveness
Supported internal and external communications initiatives through executive briefings and presentations
Oversaw vendor coordination, contracts, and invoice processing with 100 percent accuracy
Designed and maintained operational systems to improve documentation and workflow efficiency
Designed and produced executive-level presentations and visual assets supporting internal communications, leadership briefings, and enterprise-wide initiatives
Created branded digital graphics and messaging for corporate campus television networks to support organizational communications and employee engagement
Partnered with executive leadership to translate strategic priorities into clear, visually aligned communication materials

Executive Assistant Coordinator to Senior Pastor and Ministry Staff

Duke Memorial United Methodist Church, Durham, North Carolina

April 2012 – December 2016

Served as executive operations support to pastoral leadership within a large, active downtown congregation of approximately 800 members. Managed the full front office administrative function while supporting organizational operations, communications, and community-facing initiatives.

Key Contributions

Managed all front office administrative operations, serving as the primary point of coordination for senior pastoral leadership and ministry staff
Coordinated leadership operations, administrative workflows, and organizational communications
Managed weekly worship bulletins and coordinated communications for major liturgical services and observances
Prepared annual Charge Conference reports and maintained accurate membership and attendance records
Led digital communications initiatives, increasing engagement by 60 percent
Oversaw vendor relationships, budget tracking, facility scheduling, and high-volume event logistics