Patterson Yazzie appointed Mission Director of NELM

The Board of Directors of Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission, Inc. (NELM) are delighted to announce the appointment of Patterson Yazzie as Mission Director. He will be responsible for the daily operation of the Mission. 

Patterson is a community member of Rock Point. He graduated from Rock Point Community School and left to attend Haskell Indian Nations University and University of Kansas. 

He brings extensive knowledge of nonprofit management and leadership. He built a career in helping American Indian communities improve their knowledge and skills. He has worked for organizations that encourage American Indian students to enter Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics fields. 

Patterson stated that he always dreamed of coming home to help the community he grew up in. Through the years, he came as often as he could to help his family and relatives with winter preparations of wood hauling. He believes that his leadership role at NELM will allow him to carry out the goals of the Mission and the Rock Point community. 

“I'm excited to come home. I want to be part of an organization that gave me positive memories while growing in Rock Point and help build on NELM's legacy.” Patterson is of Tachii’nii clan and born for Tabaahi clan. His parents are Zonnie and Harvey Yazzie.