Meet Patrick Braatz

For more than four decades Patrick Braatz has been a fixture on the staff of Badger Boys State. Patrick has been a leader in his community (youngest elected School Board Member in the history of the state of Wisconsin, a County Register of Deeds, Village Board of Trustees) and has served in Wisconsin and Oregon governmental roles. He has been a member of numerous health care regulatory and professional associations. Today Patrick lives in Mesa, Arizona where he serves in the private sector, helping to administer a large dental practice. I asked him two questions and here are his responses.

How has your professional life been influenced by your BBS experience both as a citizen and a staff member?

“I actually campaigned to be selected to BBS in 1978. My school counselor told me that I was going to BBS and that I had the most votes he had ever seen! I wanted to go because of the reputation that I heard about the program. It was a great experience, and the 40 plus years that I have been on staff, have taught me so many lessons. I learned how to deal with people, especially those that are from different walks of life, how to treat people who are different than you, how to be respectful to one another and to love and respect my country and the many people who sacrificed their lives for us. I really learned the ability to express different opinions, but not to make it so personal, as to hurt someone. I think we need more of that today than ever.”

How have you been shaped as a person by the BBS experience?

“My experience as a Citizen and as a staff member truly had a profound influence on me in the way that I learned to be able to present myself in my education, in my public service, my career and my life.  It gave me the confidence to talk to any group about any subject and to be able to accept criticism of my ideas or opinions.  I think the most important experience that I took from BBS is that I understand in life, work and in our society that you have to be willing to compromise at some level, not to give up your basic principles, but to try some common ground from where you can start as you look to solve an issue or a problem. The experience really made me want more to serve in the public sector so that I could help people.”

Patrick is currently serving as the Assistant Director of General Headquarters and Treasurer of the Alumni Association. This year will be his 44th year on staff.

If you would prefer to write a check, you may mail it to:

Badger Boys State Alumni Association
Attn: Patrick Braatz – Treasurer
10209 E Lakeview Ave
Mesa, AZ 85209