Meet Our Board Members: Patty Meagher Clare

Leader Council

Born: Louisville, KY

College and major: St. Mary’s College of Notre Dame, BBA in Accounting

Position: President at PMClare & Associates

“After leaving Spencer Stuart as an elected Principal of the firm, I founded my own executive search company. We recruit CEO’s, President and C-Suite executives to our client organizations.”

Passions outside of work:

“I like adventures and spontaneity, whether it be traveling, hiking, biking, swimming, golfing, touring, attending performances, visiting friends, shopping with a purpose, or just having coffee with friends.”

Most influential person growing up:

“My mother.  She graduated first in her college class and worked in the 1940’s for IBM and Standard Oil in California.  While raising eleven children, she made time to serve on boards, volunteer weekly at several different organizations, was quite social and made it all look easy.  She occasionally welcomed additional children for various reasons to live with us in our home.”

Finding Mercy Home:

“When I first arrived in Chicago, I tutored children from Cabrini Green at the Fourth Presbyterian Church. I stayed in touch with one family for 25 years and gained a deeper understanding of the challenges they faced.  Once both of my children left for college, I wanted to get more involved in board work.  I looked to join an organization which focused on bettering children’s lives who were in unhealthy home situations.  My friend, Susan Gallagher, suggested Mercy Home.  I subsequently met Nancy Temple and knew then that I wanted to join the Leader Council.”

Favorite part about Mercy Home’s mission:

“I love Mercy Home’s comprehensive approach to finding solutions for children in need.  I have witnessed firsthand the significant impact it has made on the children.”

Proudest accomplishment:

“I always thought I would work for large multinational companies throughout my career.  Establishing my own business and having it for so long has been one of the best and most empowering steps I have ever taken.  I love the positive impact I make working with organizations to recruit exceptionally talented senior C-Suite executives into situations where they can make a meaningful difference to the health of the business and the team members they serve.”