UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — As the deputy chief of information for the Navy, Patrick Evans knows about chain of command and lives it every day while working with more than 2,000 communicators in a variety of roles across the world.
Evans also knows about the power of a chain — a combination of connections and relationships, actions and support that can provide a valuable impact for someone personally and professionally.
As Evans works within his chain of command, he knows he’s been a beneficiary of that other chain thanks to mentorship from colleagues, family and friends who provided inspiration and opportunities that supported his growth and success.
As he advances to senior leadership positions in his career, he hopes he can do the same for others.
“It is great to work hard, but you have to bring others with you to open doors that might not be always open,” Evans said. “They may be closed overtly or covertly. Either way, you need that team to help you get to the next level. Because so many people have helped me, I want to make sure I’m doing the same.”
Evans has taken a nontraditional path during his career, and even his time at Penn State was not typical.
He started college hoping to play basketball at LaSalle University, but that was interrupted by an injury. He matriculated to Penn State York and, eventually, the University Park campus. He learned that getting involved and interacting with others was important in terms of getting comfortable and connected on campus.
He got busy, working on campus and for radio stations in State College and Harrisburg while gaining more experience and leadership opportunities. He worked for WPSU as well. “I thought I knew a lot and could do a lot,” Evans said. “My time at Penn State was a profound learning experience that set me on a course for greater success.”
Evans started his military career in the Air Force Reserve, became a Navy reservist and worked as a television reporter and anchor in New Orleans. He was called up in 2007 during the Iraq War.
“About midway though, I decided I wanted to make a career change. I saw a higher purpose in the military,” Evans said. “It sounds cliché, but I found a calling.”
He moved to active duty in December 2008. With a father who served in the Army and several family members who served in the military, the big move seemed normal to Evans — especially because of the support he received from family and friends.
“I actually call it my ‘monk moment,’” Evans said. “I made my decision when I was in a foreign country, focused on a mission that was bigger than me. It was a different way to see international relations, and it really started to fascinate and intrigue me.
“Journalism and my broadcasting career were great, and I still call New Orleans home, but making the career change seemed to lead to something else that I really wanted to check out. I had gone through a divorce, and I talked to my kids and they got it, too.”
Evans said he’s proud of what he’s accomplished and especially proud of the way his wife, Cheryl, has encouraged him.
“Sometimes I’ll just stay in my little black-and-white world, but she adds color to it,” Evans said. “She might not verbalize something, but she’ll remind me that ‘We don’t coast.’”
His wife often reminds Evans that people are watching, and that being watched comes with a responsibility. It’s advice that has resonated and led to action, including his commitment to mentoring others.
“I hope people say I’m a good teammate who coordinates, networks and will learn from others,” he said. “We have to create an environment to have teamwork, so everyone can move forward.”