Baltimore Jewish Home — Izzy Patoka

Baltimore Jewish Home
June 8–22, 2017
Vol. 4, #11

So tell us about your job.

I am the Director of Community Development for LifeBridge Health. I direct the development and implementation of a multi-dimensional plan to improve the quality of life for those living and working in the areas surrounding LifeBridge campus locations in Baltimore City, Baltimore County and Carroll County. I also work to enhance community leadership and capacity building, education and workforce development, business and economic development, and neighborhood improvement.

What did you do before you joined LifeBridge Health?

I served as the Executive Director of the Governor's Office of Community Initiatives and also the Director of the Governor's Intergovernmental Affairs Office. I also was the founding Director of the Mayor's Office of Neighborhoods. Before joining Baltimore City Mayor's Office, I served as Deputy Director for the Baltimore County Department of Planning.

What was the most meaningful part of your career?

During my time in the Governor's Office I had a part in formulating the state's budget. During that process we were able to steer almost $26 million to Jewish facilities statewide. I also had a part in formulating state sanctions on companies that invested in businesses located in Iran. My parents were holocaust survivors, so helping our Jewish community was extremely meaningful to me.

What are you grateful for?

I am grateful that I have a supportive and loving family that support me and allow me to participate in so many community meetings.

What are these "Vote Izzy" buttons that keep showing up everywhere?

Stay tuned for an exciting announcement in the near future. I am looking forward to serving the people of Pikesville, Owings Mills, Reisterstown, Lutherville and Ruxton in a new way.