Paul Patton holds a PhD from The Ohio State University in Anthropology with a research focus on indigenous Appalachian food systems. He holds a Masters of Science in Environmental Studies from Ohio University, located in Appalachian Ohio. Patton has numerous publications in journals and books focusing on prehistoric food systems and the domestication of plants in Eastern North America.
Patton joined the Accelerating Appalachia team in 2024. Previous to this role, he served as the Chief Innovation Officer for Rural Action, a non-profit organization focused on asset-based community development in the Appalachian counties of Ohio. During his tenure at Rural Action, Patton led the startup of the Workforce Development Program and oversaw seven social enterprises, including the Chesterhill Produce Auction. Patton has served as a member of the Central Appalachian Network’s Equity team and as the co-chair of the Climate Resilience and Adaptation Working Group.
