Patricia Rojas-Ungar, former VP of government affairs at the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), has passed away at the age of 47.

Early in her career, Patricia worked helping children in Brazil, then continued on in Houston working with inner-city kids at I Have a Dream-Houston as a project coordinator. Her interest and passion for the public sector led her to work in both the United States Congress and Senate, followed by a successful career spanning 20 years in lobbying and government affairs where she advocated on behalf of issues she was passionate about. She held senior roles in the U.S. Travel Association and the Outdoor Industry Association and most recently was a vice president at Strategic Marketing Innovations, Inc.

Her efforts earned her recognition as a top lobbyist from The Hill, Washingtonian Magazine, CEO Update and Association Trends. In 2011, she was named by The Washingtonian as one of DC’s Top 40 Under 40.

“During her time at OIA, Patricia brought a clear passion for advocacy to work every day, and it’s no wonder she was recognized by her colleagues in D.C. as a top lobbyist,” said OIA Director of Government Affairs Rich Harper.