Pat’s lived experience as a parent set the foundation for her career path. As a nationally recognized family-leader, Hunt brings over 30 years of experience promoting and advancing positive outcomes for children with behavioral health needs and their caregivers. Hunt’s extensive experience with overseeing federal and state grants includes serving as the founding director of a statewide family-run organization. Pat has served as a VISTA Volunteer; directed a three year federally funded rural substance abuse prevention project; managed SAMHSA statewide network and community action grants, served as president of the Maine’s mental health planning council and was the only non-state employee member appointed to the Governor’s Children’s Cabinet early in her career. A key leader in shifting policy in Maine yielded her appointment by the President of the Senate to an oversight committee for children’s services. Her expertise in public policy and planning has supported 42 states to develop policy solutions, and implement and sustain evidence-based and best practices for children, young adults and their families. Her accomplishments also include developing policy briefs for grassroots experience to inform state and national decisions, and providing consultation to federally funded comprehensive community mental health System of Care sites to advance technical and adaptive change. Hunt received nominations for Robert Woods Johnson and Lewis Hine awards. During the past 20 years, her personal experience has continued to inform her work in the managed care industry and two national family-run organizations. This experience continues to fuel her passion for developing solutions within child serving systems.