Patricia Kempthorne has dedicated her work life and her life’s work to building a family-consciousness in her family, workplace, and community. After graduating with a degree in business management from the University of Idaho she chose to build her career in the nonprofit sector and community service. In 2014 she was awarded an honorary doctorate in Administrative Policy from the University of Idaho.
A champion for families and children, she was able to shine a spotlight on the issues closest to her while serving as Idaho’s first lady from 1999 to 2006. She was instrumental in implementing Parents as Teachers statewide in 2001. Mrs. Kempthorne volunteered her time to ensure that Idaho continues to be the best place to raise a family. In 2005, she created the Twiga Foundation, Inc. – a nonprofit dedicated to continuing that work with organizations through educating them about work-life fit, flexibility, and effectiveness for working parents. Today, the Twiga Foundation focuses on parent engagement and early learning opportunities that impact strengthening families and the workforce. In 2009, through a partnership with the University of Idaho, Twiga became the exclusive licensor of BLOCK Fest®. BLOCK Fest® raises awareness of early math and science learning opportunities by offering hands-on block play experiences to families of young children thus helping to develop the workforce of the future.
A leading advocate for women, families, and children, Mrs. Kempthorne serves as the Chair of the St. Luke’s Children’s Advisory Board and Executive Committee, the Idaho Food Bank Capital Campaign and is a member of the Preschool the Idaho Way Coalition. In 2016 she was honored by the American Mothers, Inc. as a National Mother of Achievement.
Mrs. Kempthorne and her husband, Dirk, were married in 1977, have two grown children and five grandchildren.