Patsy Freeman “Patti” Mancini, formerly the vice chair of the California Horse Racing Board, passed away peacefully on Aug. 14 in Thousand Oaks, California, at the age of 86.
Ms. Mancini had a pioneering career as the first female vice president at Rockwell International. She started with Rockwell early in the Apollo moon landing program, and also worked on the Skylab, Space Shuttle and GPS Satellite programs. Her career progressed rapidly, and by 1978 she was named Vice President of External Affairs and Communications, North American Space Operations. She was responsible for all external affairs including government relations at the national, state and local levels, media relations, customer and community relations, and executive communications.
She received numerous awards and honors, including the NASA Achievement Award, NASA Skylab Achievement Award, NASA Public Service Award, Astronaut's Achievement Award and many others.
She was also a pioneer beyond Rockwell on broader business issues and community outreach efforts, including her service to the CHRB.
As a racing commissioner, she actively sought to reform medication regulations during nearly six years of service on the Board, from September 1980 to March 1986. Her colleagues on the Board elected her vice chairman, an indication of their great respect.
She is survived by her son, William Mancini and his wife, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Memorial donations can be made to the Thoroughbred Horsemen's Foundation and the Rocket Center Foundation.
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