Patricia Summers Epp
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Responding to a social media post in 2020 asking for interested people to consider getting involved by joining the Yosemite Chamber of Commerce board, Patricia Epp became a member-at-large, managing the Communications Committee, specifically focusing her expertise on the YCC Weekly e-letter published each Friday. As Chief Marketing Officer, Patricia managed both marketing and Programs & Events, serving as Co-Chair for the annual 49er Festival. With the closure of the Yosemite Chamber of Commerce in 2025, Patricia now dedicates her time to Grade to Gate Foundation and the beautification of our community.
My Story
Born and raised in Chicago, Patricia founded her own Public Relations and Communications firm (SMGroup, Inc.) shortly after she moved to California. She was introduced to both Groveland and Pine Mountain Lake through her husband and architect, Paul Epp. They bought their home in Pine Mountain Lake over 20 years ago and were married at the PML Lake Lodge.
"I fell in love with the community on my very first visit," said Patricia. "As I've heard so many people say over the years, there is a magic here that draws you in ... and you never want to leave."
With a thriving business based in Fresno, Patricia found herself spending weekdays in the Valley and weekends in Groveland. Soon the two-day Groveland stays become three and then four. "In my business, as long as I have access to my telephone and my computer, I can work just about anywhere," she explains.
Patricia was a member of ROOFBB Charity for a number of years working on several committees. More recently, she joined the PML Ladies Club and a Vice-President for several years, responsible for the communications and social media needs of the organization. A five-year stint on the Yosemite Hwy 120 Chamber of Commerce board as Chief Marketing Officer solidified her roots in this community and was the avenue for creating Grade to Gate Foundation following her leadership on the Downtown Beautification / Clean CA Grant project.
Patricia, now semi-retired, continues to work with the client she has had for over 30 years, a food manufacturer whose products are distributed nationally. "And that now affords me time to give back," she adds, "while doing the kind of work I love. And, for me, the Grade to Gate Foundation is the perfect choice. Our community has so much potential and so much to offer both residents and visitors on their way to Yosemite. I'm both excited and honored to be a part of a viable organization with peers who are committed and dedicated."
For relaxation, Patricia enjoys tending to her plants and flowers in her extensive garden, helping her husband complete their Pine Mountain Lake home addition and pampering their two Standard parti-poodles Mafu and Serce.
Patricia wants to hear from you. You can email her at pepp@gradetogate.org.