Patrick Salazar has always had a desire to give back to his community. He began his journey of service in the U.S. Navy before enrolling as a student at the University of Utah under the GI Bill, where he soon found himself deeply involved with the Hinckley Institute. Over the course of his undergraduate studies, Salazar participated in numerous Hinckley programs, all of which gave him valuable perspectives and helped him determine what path to take (and not to take) in his postgraduate career. 

Salazar completed several local internships through the Hinckley Institute, working with the Utah Office of Criminal and Juvenile Justice, the Utah Education Association, the Salt Lake County Legislative Affairs office, and the 1984 congressional campaign of Utah State Senator Frances Farley. In addition, he served as a host for Hinckley forums (then called Coffee & Politics).

In 1984 Salazar was nominated for the prestigious Truman Scholarship and when he was not named a finalist, staff members at the Hinckley immediately encouraged him to try again.

Bae Gardner and Jayne Nelson were so supportive and compassionate when I did not advance in the 1984 Truman Scholarship process.  After allowing me a few minutes to pout, they were adamant that I begin my 1985 application!  Winning the following year opened many doors for graduate school and other opportunities.  

Each Hinckley experience gave Salazar unique insight into the law-making process and how public leaders operate and collaborate. Salazar gained numerous skills and valuable experiences from his internships, and they ultimately helped him determine that a legal career and elected office were not right for him.

I came to realize that the role of professional staff at our public institutions was not generally understood—and was acutely undervalued—by most citizens. This has helped me invaluably throughout my academic and professional career: elected and appointed officials come and go; collegial relationships with staff are the path to progress.  

Salazar graduated from the U in 1992 with a degree in Marketing and a minor in Spanish. He continued his education at the University of Texas at Austin and received his MBA in 1994.

As a dedicated public servant, Salazar has found his path to improving communities through non-profit work. He has built an impressive career over the last 30 years, in nonprofit senior management. Salazar has served his community in a variety of roles including Director of Advancement at Assistance League of Los Angeles, Director of Development and Communications at Community Health Centers Inc., and founder of Latinos LEAD, where he helps connect highly qualified Latinos with nonprofit board service opportunities. Salazar continues to use his expertise to help nonprofit organizations have the greatest impact in serving their communities and credits the Hinckley Institute for launching his service career.