encouraging him to stay strong . The note brought tears to his eyes .
“ Throughout my journey , I would send updates about how I was doing , and Pat would respond with words of encouragement ,” Adrian reflected . “ Finally , I was able to share that I have now been cancer-free and in remission for two years and that my wife and I are expecting our first babies , twin girls ! You could see the joy in his face . That is the type of leader Pat is . No matter what the business is at hand , he always makes it a point to keep his interactions genuine and personal .”
Serving Others
Throughout his career , Pat has generously donated his expertise and influence to a range of professional and nonprofit organizations . In addition , he has been a tireless advocate of the internet as an essential learning tool for students and was the driver behind Cox ’ s low-cost internet program , Connect2Compete . The program promotes learning equity through affordable home internet with Wi-Fi for qualified households . Because of Pat ’ s efforts , Cox has helped bridge the digital divide by connecting nearly a million individuals across the U . S . to the internet since this program began .
Pat ’ s greatest passion lies with Boys & Girls Clubs of America . Beyond being a trustee of the Southeast and on its national board of governors , he ’ s made a sustainable , systemic difference for kids who rely on the organization . He has been instrumental in opening more than 100 Cox Technology Centers within clubs across the country to ensure club kids have access to the latest technology , and linked clubs with Connect2Compete to help more families benefit from these crucial services .
Pat is one of just a few individuals to receive the Boys & Girls Clubs Champion of Youth Award — an award traditionally reserved for corporations .
The Time Is Right
After 15 years , Pat believes that now is the right time for new leadership .
“ It ’ s a really healthy time for the business ,” Pat said . “ We are entering a lot of new spaces , a lot of exciting spaces . It ’ s a good time for the next leader to be in place for that , and the senior team and group of leaders we have in the company are very , very strong .”
Looking back on his more than 40 years at Cox , Pat feels incredibly lucky to have found a company full of employees and leaders whose values match his own .
“ When you ’ ve been fortunate to have a career like mine at a special company like ours , there ’ s a lot to feel good about . I will miss this job because it was so much more than a job to me . The people have made it so much more .”
Pat out in our communities , helping connect students to essential internet access
Pat accepted the Boys & Girls Clubs Champion of Youth Award on behalf of Cox Communications in 2014 .
Paying Tribute to Pat
“ I worked with Pat during the early stage of Cox Communications ’ Diversity Council journey . I admired his commitment , but what was more endearing personally was his way of making you feel like you belong and are valued . Pat looked for my voice , ensured I was heard and certainly cheered me on — not only with his work but whenever the opportunity presented itself .”
Sheila Stallings , executive director of people solutions , Cox Communications
“ A few lessons I ’ ve learned from Pat that come to mind are humility , handling adversity / success and the importance of giving back to the community — leaving a better environment for others that follow . He has never missed an opportunity to call or text me offering his encouragement . There are very few people in my personal or professional life that have had a greater impact , and I am proud to call Pat a mentor , supporter , sometime father figure and most importantly , a friend .”
Derrick Hill , vice president of cox business market operations , Cox Communications
Visit InSideCox . com / bestwishestopat to see more tributes and to share your own .
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