She led a £20million investment programme to transform, care for, and improve the castle's rich heritage. The castle and 100-acre garden have been brought to life as a leading visitor attraction. She also negotiated the transfer of the Courthouse and Fort to HRP, safeguarding the heritage of these historic buildings.

Prior to HRP, her career in the Northern Ireland Civil Services (NICS) offered roles which have been diverse. This enabled her to exhibit her skills ranging from stakeholder and community engagement, to strategic planning, programme management and consultancy and training.

As Director of Enterprise Shared Services, Department of Finance and Personnel, she was responsible for the delivery of HR Services for the NICS. This included embedding a change in culture and behaviour, where the concept of a shared services environment is mainstreamed.

Patricia is a Trustee for the Grand Opera House, Belfast – this has included the trustee oversight of a major programme of restoration and conservation. The restoration will preserve and protect the building’s unique heritage for future generations.

She is a Board member of Tourism NI, where her role is to make sure the organisation fulfils its delivery of strategic policies agreed with Ministers. And, that Tourism NI operates with probity in enhancing the economic value of tourism to Northern Ireland. She is also the Northern Ireland representative on the Visit Britain Board.

As a Deputy Lieutenant for the Borough of Belfast, her role is to support Royal and civic lieutenancy activity, including encouraging voluntary and charitable organisations and supporting local businesses. 

She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership and Management and a MSc (with distinction) in Business Improvement.