'Good communicator' brings passion to everything he does

By ELIZABETH COOPER
Observer-Dispatch

Scott Patrick has excelled in his years at Rome's Air Force Research Laboratory, but it's not just his successes at work that make people admire him.

"Scott is personable, ambitious, a good communicator," said Joe Camera, Patrick's supervisor and the person who recommended him for the Accent on Excellence award. "He has all the right stuff, not only on the tech side, the way he manages people, but also in his personal life. Everything Scott does, he does with a passion."

At 39, Patrick has risen to the position of chief of Rome lab's Information Handling Branch. Camera said he recommended Patrick for the job because he had observed him in action and liked what he saw.

"He has great oral skills and a presence," Camera said, adding that he'd first been impressed with Patrick when he made a presentation in the early 1990s. "He carries himself well, he's a quick study, he can think on his feet."

As chief of the Information Handling Branch, Patrick supervises about 130 people. In part because of his efforts, the U.S. departments of Justice and Homeland Security, the Secret Service and the New York State Police now are collaborating with traditional Rome lab clients to deploy the lab's technology in the war against terrorism, according to the letter recommending Patrick for the Accent award.

Patrick, reached at his office, said he loves his job.

"You see the things you work on actually go out and help the war on terrorism," he said. "You see the fruits of your labor. It's a sense of patriotism."

Matt Kochan, an engineer who works with Patrick, called him "a Renaissance man."

"He does everything, and most of the things he does, he does well," said Kochan, who hunts, fishes and plays golf with Patrick.

Kochan said Patrick is a born leader in the office.

"He always has this kind of uplifting positive attitude that makes people feel better and like they can accomplish more than they could on their own," Kochan said.

Camera also called Patrick "the consummate family man," noting that the married father of two has coached baseball, softball and basketball. He also has been an assistant leader of local Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops.

"He talks about coaching and trying to work with the kids, and he wants them to do better," Camera said. "He has that kind of drive."

Kochan, too, called Patrick "a fantastic father."

Patrick, for his part, said he's very happy living in the Mohawk Valley.

"I love this area," Patrick said. "I think it has four true seasons. I'm a big outdoor person. I like the small-town atmosphere."