Harold T. Patterson
- President, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, 1965–1968
- Born: May 15, 1903
- Died: June 26, 1971
Harold T. Patterson was the ninth president and chief executive officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, serving from October 1, 1965, until his retirement on January 31, 1968.
Patterson was born in Gainesville, Georgia, in 1903. He graduated from the University of Georgia and earned a bachelor’s degree with honors. Patterson worked for a short time as a public school teacher and then returned to the University of Georgia for a master’s degree. In 1928 he earned a law degree from Harvard Law School.
Patterson was a member of the Georgia Bar Association and began practicing law with the firm of Dorsey, Shelton & Dorsey in Atlanta. In 1934, he became a trust officer with the First National Bank of Atlanta, where he served for six years. He then rejoined his former law firm.
During World War II, Patterson volunteered for military service and was made a captain in the Army. He served with the Eighth Army and achieved the rank of colonel by the time he was discharged. For his military service in the Pacific, including campaigns in the Philippines and New Guinea, Patterson was awarded the Bronze Star and the Legion of Merit.
Patterson began his career with the Atlanta Fed as counsel in June 1947. In January 1952, he became vice president and general counsel. In January 1960, he was named first vice president and general counsel. Patterson was appointed to the presidency in October 1965, succeeding longtime president Malcolm Bryan. Patterson worked closely with Monroe Kimbrel, the Bank’s first vice president, who would serve as Atlanta Fed president when Patterson retired.
Patterson was active in numerous civic and community endeavors before, during, and after his presidency. He was a member of the Fulton County Planning Commission. He also served as director of the Central Atlanta Improvement Association, Child Service Association, Metropolitan Atlanta Community Services, Child Welfare League of Atlanta, and Atlanta branch of the English Speaking Union. Patterson was fond of the arts, and was president of the sponsors of the High Museum of Art and a director of the Atlanta Arts Alliance. He was also a member of the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, Georgia and Atlanta Bar Associations, and the Lawyers Club of Atlanta.
Patterson passed away in 1971. He was married to the former Pamela Johnston. They had two daughters, two sons, and three grandchildren.
Written by the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. See disclaimer.
