VOC Announces Eric Patterson as President and CEO

The Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation today announces Dr. Eric Patterson as VOC’s new President and CEO.

“As we celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation, the Board is excited that Dr. Patterson has taken the reins in pursuing our educational mission and expanding our increasingly important work,” said Dr. Elizabeth Spalding, VOC’s Chairman. “A scholar, leader, and fighter of oppression, Dr. Patterson understands the false ideology, destructive politics, and history of communism, and why we must remember the more than 100 million victims killed by communism and advance the freedom of more than 1.5 billion people who are still oppressed by communist regimes today.”

A foreign policy expert and long-time fighter of totalitarianism, Dr. Patterson previously served as President of the Religious Freedom Institute (RFI), where he led the organization’s efforts to advocate for religious liberty around the world through training and educational programs for students, teachers, public officials, and other audiences. Prior to RFI, Dr. Patterson was a university dean and professor. His government experience includes service as a White House Fellow, at the U.S. Department of State, and, for over 20 years, as an Air National Guard commander. He is an active scholar on the moral dimensions of national security and international affairs, as well as author of over 20 books, including Just American Wars: Ethical Dilemmas in U.S. Military History and the co-edited volume The Reagan Manifesto: ‘A Time for Choosing’ and Its Influence.

Dr. Patterson succeeds Amb. Andrew Bremberg, who will remain engaged as VOC’s President Emeritus, and Ken Pope, who will focus on VOC’s education and coalition programming as Vice President for Academic Operations and Strategic Partnerships. “The Foundation has celebrated many achievements in the last three years with the opening of the VOC Museum, launch of the VOC Caucus, publication of groundbreaking research on China and Latin America, and release of our new digital curriculum and teacher certification, as well as the expansion of the Witness Project,” said Amb. Andrew Bremberg. “I look forward to working with Dr. Patterson as he builds upon VOC’s success and ensures an enduring legacy for the future.”

“It is a true honor to serve as President and CEO of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation,” remarked Dr. Patterson. “Under Amb. Bremberg and Dr. Spalding’s leadership, VOC has taken great strides in educating future generations about the ideology, crimes, and legacy of communism, all while advocating for the freedom of those still held captive by communist regimes. I am humbled and excited to work with this team and our allies to stand for freedom and fight against the deadliest ideology humanity has ever known.”

For press inquiries contact Michal Harmata, VOC’s Director of Communications, at (202) 629-9500 or michal.harmata@victimsofcommunism.org.