Name: Patti Pennington
Title: Programs Manager
Years with RC&D: 18
Meet Patti Pennington
We think the saying should be Patti-of-All-Trades, because Patti Pennington is a woman of many skills.
Over the last 18 years, Patti has worn most hats at Cawaco (we were a team of two up until just a few years ago, after all). Patti can also fix a lawnmower, install a sink, and assemble furniture. She says she can “learn how to do just about anything,” and we can sure attest to that. Whether it’s managing complex grants or troubleshooting broken lawn equipment, Patti tackles every challenge with the same hands-on determination.
Patti’s favorite place in the region is the Five Mile Creek Greenway, and she can often be found riding her e-bike, testing out new plants in her garden, or inviting foster dogs (and baby raccoons) into her home.
A Day in the Life of a Programs Manager at Cawaco RC&D
Patti runs Cawaco’s RC&D grant program, which provides support for locally-led projects that are likely to make a broad community, environmental, or educational impact in Blount, Chilton, Jefferson, Shelby, and Walker Counties.
But running a grant program is no small task! In 2025, Patti oversaw the flow of $843,000 in project funding to local projects in the region.
“I don’t have typical days,” says Patti. “They are all very diverse, which is something I love about this job. One day, I am meeting with grantees, another, with legislators, taking calls, answering emails, or planning events. The busy time of year is when I’m closing out grants and receiving new applications and discussing projects with grantees.”
RC&D Through Patti’s Eyes
For Patti, the best part of RC&D is the people. She says the most rewarding part of her role is “getting to know the best people in the area and seeing the impact that their work is making on their communities.”
One thing she loves about Cawaco RC&D is the unique ways we can support hyper-local projects. “RC&D impacts each community differently depending on the need,” said Patti, whether it be educational programs, environmental issues, or community building.
From small-town initiatives to larger collaborative efforts, Patti gets a front-row seat to the creativity and dedication that drives change across Central Alabama.
While we provide funding and support, it’s the grantees who do the work and make it happen. They’re the ones out in the field, building relationships, solving problems, and turning ideas into action. Watching their dedication and creativity unfold is incredibly inspiring and gives me hope for the future.
Why RC&D?
Patti loves all the projects that flow through Cawaco – and those projects are one of the things that drew her to RC&D in the first place. She loves the diversity of the projects and the people.
After 18 years, that love hasn’t faded.
“There are so many things that keep me passionate about RC&D, but one of the most rewarding aspects is the opportunity to connect with people who are truly making a difference in their communities,” said Patti. “Every day, I get to meet individuals and organizations who are deeply committed to making Alabama the best it can be.
“While we provide funding and support, it’s the grantees who do the work and make it happen. They’re the ones out in the field, building relationships, solving problems, and turning ideas into action. Watching their dedication and creativity unfold is incredibly inspiring and gives me hope for the future.”
Looking to the Future
Patti is thrilled to see the passion and vision of the next generation coming up through Central Alabama. One of Patti’s favorite Cawaco programs is an internship program meant to guide this next generation, giving them opportunities to work with organizations in the region that specialize in natural resources.
“What excites me most about the Natural Resource Internship Program is seeing young people engage directly with the land, water, and communities they’ll one day help steward,” said Patti.
“These interns aren’t just gaining technical knowledge; they’re learning about water quality, soil health, land stewardship, and volunteer coordination in a hands-on, meaningful way. I hope to see them develop a deep respect for the natural world and a strong sense of responsibility for protecting it.”
Through programs like these, Patti is helping ensure that Central Alabama’s communities and natural resources thrive for generations to come.
