Chief Veterans Engagement Officer

Patrick Nelligan brings more than four decades of military leadership, healthcare systems expertise, and veteran advocacy experience to Cynosure Connect. As Chief Veterans Engagement Officer, he leads strategic engagement with veteran organizations, nonprofit partners, and military-connected communities while supporting partnership development, operational strategy, and mission execution across the organization.

Patrick enlisted in the United States Army in 1982, completing Basic Training and Field Artillery Cannon Crewman training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Following his active-duty service in Germany, he transitioned into medical equipment and healthcare systems support, where he quickly distinguished himself as an honor graduate in both basic and advanced biomedical equipment maintenance training at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center.

Over the course of his military career, Patrick served in numerous senior leadership positions throughout the Army Reserve, including 8th Command Chief Warrant Officer of the United States Army Reserve Command, Command Chief Warrant Officer of Army Reserve Medical Command, Command Chief Warrant Officer of the 75th Innovation Command, and leadership roles within the 81st Regional Support Command, 804th Medical Brigade, and 405th Combat Support Hospital.

His operational and leadership experience spans healthcare technology, organizational development, medical logistics, readiness operations, force modernization, and systems integration. He supported missions in Honduras and Guatemala and deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Patrick has also completed extensive military and leadership education programs, including the Brigade Pre-Command Course, Warrant Officer Senior Staff Course, Warrant Officer Staff Course, Officer Advanced Course, Medical Logistics Management Course, and Master Fitness Trainer Course.

Throughout his career, Patrick has received numerous military honors and national recognitions, including the Legion of Merit with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal. He is also an inductee into the Order of Military Medical Merit, the United States Warrant Officer Association Order of the Eagle Rising Gold Award, and the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame. In 2021, he was selected as the Army Surgeon General’s Consultant for Army Reserve Health Services Maintenance.

In addition to his military service, Patrick currently serves within the Veterans Health Administration, where he supports healthcare technology and medical systems operations serving veteran communities. He holds certifications as a Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET), Certified Radiological Equipment Support Specialist (CRES), and Certified Healthcare Technology Manager (CHTM).

Patrick earned an Associate degree in Biomedical Equipment Maintenance, Bachelor of Science degrees in Applied Behavioral Studies and Liberal Studies, and a Master of Science in Business Administration with a Healthcare concentration.

At Cynosure Connect, Patrick focuses on strengthening veteran-centered partnerships and supporting initiatives aimed at improving mental health outcomes, resilience, and long-term support systems for veterans and military communities.