Name: Estella Patterson
Leadership Charlotte (LC) Class: 32
Title/Company: Chief of Police, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department
Hometown: Sacramento, CA
Education: BA in Political Science, UNCC & MS in Criminal Justice, University of Oklahoma
Current personal or leadership goals:
Continuing to lead CMPD in being a premier law-enforcement agency. I strive to mold, mentor, guide and be the example of leadership excellence for the emerging leaders within CMPD. Additionally, I desire that Charlotte becomes the safest large city in the nation; I intend to lead our department in achieving this goal.
What’s your best advice for current Leadership Charlotte participants about making the most of the experience?
Participate and fully emerge yourself in the program. Attend every session with a purposeful mindset to learn and grow. Be bold and willing to extend yourself and go beyond your comfort zone to learn about others, our city, and the areas you are exploring in each session.
What’s one lesson or moment from your Leadership Charlotte experience that sticks with you today, and why?
The session in which we had with then Mayor Anthony Foxx. This was profoundly impactful because nearly 15 years ago, he spoke of a Charlotte with an incredibly vibrant Center City and Southend, as well as Charlotte becoming a tech hub. Despite, changes in leadership philosophies, we have fulfilled that vision. It demonstrated the power of intentionality, collaboration, and relentless persistence in accomplishing shared goals.
In what ways do you stay engaged in the Charlotte community, and how could fellow alumni join you?
I am returning to Charlotte after nearly 4 years of serving as the Chief of Police in Raleigh. I am reconnecting with the city by serving on the Charlotte Public Safety Task Force. Fellow alumni can join me by becoming eyes and ears for our city – reporting crime or unsafe acts, seeking mentoring opportunities for youth to deter them from crime and disorder, and by participating in programs aimed at assisting vulnerable populations (e.g. unsheltered or those facing mental health challenges) who are often victimized.
What’s your favorite way to recharge or connect with Charlotte on the weekend?
Dinner in Uptown with my husband and a leisurely walk home afterwards. Also, attending anything sports related like football at Bank of America stadium, basketball at the Spectrum Center, or baseball at Truist Field.
Shout out a local nonprofit or initiative making a difference — what do they do, and why does their mission speak to you?
A huge shout out to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Foundation for supporting the men and women in blue by raising funds to fund critical needs related to public safety. I commend them for the vocal support they provide to CMPD, boldly advocating for the police. Protecting and serving our great city would not be possible without community support and individuals who go above and beyond to show their support in tangible and non-tangible ways.
I support Leadership Charlotte because…
It is an amazing program that transforms. When I reflect on the program and where I was at the beginning to who I became at the close, I can say I was a completely different leader. My people skills were enhanced, my compassion enlarged, and my influence expanded. I was able to leverage each of these things to better serve the Charlotte community and beyond. I am grateful for the experience and the transformation I experienced. I highly encourage others to seek this opportunity!