Patty Francisco, Ph.D is an MRG affiliated consultant with over 30 years of public sector human resources experience serving municipal clients in the Southern California region. Patty received her Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California and her Master’s degree in Human Resources Design from Claremont Graduate University. Patty earned her Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Her research focused on Informal and Transformational Leadership and Psychological Empowerment.
What should your clients know about you from the start? What is your “superpower”?
A colleague recently told me she believes my success in HR comes down to three strengths: my ability to connect with people, my deep knowledge of human resources, and my habit of asking thoughtful, meaningful questions.
What I consider my true superpower, however, is my ability to tailor my approach to each client. I meet people where they are, adapt to their style, and focus on how I can partner with them to enhance their effectiveness and support their success. My role is to help clients build on the strengths they already possess and elevate their impact.
With more than 30 years of HR knowledge and experience, clients trust me as a reliable resource across the full spectrum of human resources. Whatever challenges or opportunities arise, they know they can count on me for informed guidance, practical solutions, and meaningful support.
Do you have a motto? Is there a phrase that people associate with you?
I have too many mottos to choose from. My staff used to call them “Patty-isms.”
My guiding motto is, “Define Your Own Success.” What works for others may not be right for you. Create your own journey, chart your own course, and take the time to fully appreciate and learn from both the challenges and the rewards that come with the path you choose.
What other career paths have called to you?
If I hadn’t pursued a career in HR, I likely would have become a planner or developer. I’ve always had a passion for real estate. During my time at a Community Redevelopment Agency, I had the opportunity to see public-private partnerships take shape—from affordable housing developments to major civic projects, including land assembly through eminent domain to support large-scale destinations like entertainment centers.
That experience is one of the reasons I especially enjoy working with community development, building, and planning departments today. Hearing about the projects they’re advancing and the impact they’re making in their communities is both meaningful and inspiring to me.
My career path has been diverse—I started in water, then went into redevelopment, then transit, and now consulting. Through consulting I work with clients from all types of agencies: I talk to chiefs, captains, lieutenants, and fire leadership in addition to leaders at cities, counties and special districts. Consulting has given me the latitude to work across many different disciplines.
What inspires you about working in the public sector?
I’m inspired by the variety and scope of projects and the amazing people that I get to work in Northern and Southern California. I was coaching an HR manager at an educational institution, and my goal was to give her all the tools she needed so she could stand on her own. She recently texted me just to say hello and shared that things were going well. In fact, someone who I coached three years ago just got promoted to Director of People! That’s my goal, watching others succeed in the HR profession.
I truly love HR. It has given me a rewarding career and a fulfilling life, and coaching others is my way of giving back. That’s what inspired me to start the HR Forum—to create a space for sharing knowledge, insights, and support across the community. Paying it forward through the HR Forum and mentoring the next generation of HR leaders is a top priority for me. This profession has given me so much, and I’m committed to helping ensure it continues to provide meaningful opportunities for those who follow.
What made you want to affiliate with MRG?
What brings me the most joy in my work is the variety—the diverse projects, and the many people and organizations I have the privilege of working with. Toward the end of my time as an HR Director, I shared with Mary that I was considering a transition into consulting. She told me, “It’s time for you to spread your sunshine with other organizations.” That perspective stayed with me and reinforced my desire to broaden my impact and support others in meaningful ways.
I thought that was such a great way to describe it. If I had remained with a single organization, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to collaborate with so many cities, counties, special districts, and agencies—or to work alongside so many talented and inspiring professionals.
One of the most rewarding aspects of consulting is the ability to create meaningful impact across multiple organizations and initiatives. The breadth of influence and perspective you gain is far greater than what you might experience by staying within just one agency.
Does your public sector organization need help overcoming organizational challenges? Reach out to MRG at info@solutions-mrg.com to start the conversation and connect with world-class consultants.