About Patrick Rhode

With almost two decades of experience in communication strategies and tactics, Patrick Rhode is an influential professional that has worked in the government and the private industry. His understanding of both sectors gives him the perspective and experience required to make the decisions necessary to mitigate crisis and manage during challenging times. His skill set and intuition has helped him become the United States Vice President of Corporate Affairs for Cintra Developments, which is situated in Austin, Texas. He is responsible for every stage of the external affairs process from developing to executing.
Before Cintra, Patrick Rhode had the privilege of being the Senior Advisor for Communications to the NASA Administrator (National Aeronautics and Space Administration). During his tenure, he helped to manage the highly publicized national issues such as the criticisms of the airline safety survey, as well as Astronaut healthcare reform initiatives before the United States Congress. In addition, he helped lead national education efforts to help Americans understand the importance of NASA’s mission at a grassroots level by explaining the benefits the space program brings in terms of technology innovation and pride. These public tactics helped to garner support among stakeholders in order to achieve NASA’s goals and boost public confidence in good government.
Earlier, Rhode served as the Director of Homeland Security and Intelligence at Bearing Point. The company provided consulting services to public and private sector clients, dealing in homeland security and crisis communication.
Patrick Rhode was the Chief of Staff on the Federal Emergency Management Agency for two Directors —part of the United States Department of Homeland Security—a position that is appointed by the President of the United States. After 9/11 it became evident that the nation needed to consolidate the agencies together in order to streamline information and gain accountability. Rhode became responsible for rallying the staff after budget cuts hindered their performance and morale. Furthermore, Rhode was the national television spokesperson during several national disasters, including the aftermath of the historic Hurricane Katrina and the subsequent hurricanes that would impact the lives of hundreds of thousands of citizens.
Patrick Rhode also was named Associate Administrator of the United States Small Business Administration where he served at their national Communication Director. He has also worked for the United States Department of Commerce, and The Executive Office of the President as a Special Assistant to the President of the United States.
Patrick Rhode began his career as a television news anchor and reporter for WCFT television in Tuescaloosa, Alabma, and later in KHBS, an ABC affiliate in northwest Arkansas. Rhode graduated from the University of Arkansas (Fayetteville) with a B.A. in Political Science.