Meet Patricia M. Canning

Patricia Canning is known for getting things done—collaboratively, collectively, and efficiently. A proud South Orange resident for more than 20 years, Patricia has built a reputation for leading initiatives that strengthen the fabric of our community while inspiring other residents to join those efforts.

Patricia has served South Orange in many ways, including as a longtime member of the South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race, where she created programs like “Talking to Children About Race” to help give parents the tools to handle what can be difficult conversations with their children, and to build connections in our diverse community. She also founded the MLK Luminary Project, to honor Dr. King’s vision and inspire neighbors to strive toward a beloved community. As a member of the South Orange Environmental Commission, Patricia led the award-winning “S.O. Not Plastic” campaign to eliminate single-use plastic bags, encouraging other towns to follow suit, before the state-wide ban. As a board member of the Achieve Foundation, she expanded participation in “Night of 100 Dinners” to engage residents who hadn’t previously been involved.

In our schools, Patricia has always worked to ensure all families feel welcome and included. While serving on the South Mountain PTA, as co-chair of the community development committee, Patricia pushed to shift meeting times so that working parents and parents commuting to New York City could attend. The committee also created events like Culture Day to reflect the school’s diversity. At Columbia High School, Patricia co-led the Midnight Madness committee of the PTA and secured funding so that all seniors could participate in the post-graduation all-night celebration, regardless of whether or not they could afford the ticket price.

Her professional background mirrors her community work, grounded in results, strategy, and accountability. With decades of experience as a project manager for nonprofits, global firms, and local organizations, including Deloitte Consulting and PMC Solutions Group, Patricia has built a career on delivering outcomes through strategic thinking, fiscal responsibility, and effective resource use. She brings the same discipline and accountability to her public service, ensuring that South Orange’s investments deliver real results for residents.

Beyond her professional and civic leadership, Patricia has a personal passion for health and well being.  As an avid triathlete, she founded a local women’s triathlon training group that has helped more than 100 women complete their first race, reflecting her belief in empowerment and collective achievement.  Patricia and her husband Jim have raised two daughters, both of whom are South Mountain Elementary, South Orange Middle and Columbia HIgh School graduates.

Looking ahead, Patricia’s vision for South Orange is rooted in the same principles that have guided her work for decades: collaboration, sustainability, and accountability. As a council member, she is committed to keeping South Orange safe, welcoming, and connected by working side by side with residents and community leaders. She will protect and expand sustainability initiatives to preserve the environment for future generations. She will also lead with strategic discipline, ensuring that decisions reflect community needs and deliver tangible results.

For Patricia, leadership has always meant listening, engaging, and making space for every voice. With her track record of service and her vision for the future, she is ready to continue building a strong South Orange where everyone belongs.