Patricia Summers Epp

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 and began working as a member of the Communications Committee, specifically focusing her expertise on the YCC Weekly e-letter published each Friday. As Chief Marketing Officer, Patricia manages both marketing and Programs & Events, serving as Co-Chair for the annual 49er Festival.

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 the ROOFBB for a number of years working with the ladies on several committees. More recently, she joined the PML Ladies Club and has been a Vice-President for several years, responsible for the communications and social media needs of the organization.

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 Yosemite Chamber of Commerce 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@yosemitechamber.org. In her words, "This Yosemite Chamber of Commerce Board is serious. We're here to work and we're dedicated to you ... the businesses and residents of the Highway 120 corridor."