Patricia M. Armstrong, Ph.D
As a senior director of Abbot Downing’s Institute for Family Culture, Pat’s work with families focuses on growth and sustainability. Pat and her colleagues know first-hand the complexities that families of great wealth may face. They work to ask insightful questions, listen carefully, and help clients find clarity about their values and goals. Pat works with families on a variety of topics such as preparation of heirs, family governance, family business succession and family philanthropy.
Before assuming her current role at Abbot Downing, Pat was head of Family Dynamics at Wells Fargo Family Wealth. She was the human resources director for Wells Fargo’s Private Bank and held a series of management roles focused on developing talent since she joined Wells Fargo in 1990.
In her earliest professional life, Pat was an independent management consultant to family businesses and non-profit organizations, a faculty member in psychology and a mental health program director.
Pat holds a doctorate degree in psychology from Southern Illinois University. She earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Illinois Wesleyan University, where she also served as a university trustee. Pat received a certificate in executive coaching from Columbia University. She is a member of the Family Office Exchange (FOX), Family Firm Institute (FFI), the American Psychological Association (APA) and serves on the Advisory Council of the Global Family Office Community.