Patricia Rissler and the late James Rogers created the Rogers Rissler Foundation to share the fruits of their hard work with institutions committed to helping those in need and helping communities flourish. They aspire to create opportunities for people to overcome adversity, thrive through education, and live more enriching lives through access to the arts.

Patricia and her late husband, Jim, have lived in Washington, D.C., and Virginia since the 1960s, while never losing touch with the communities of Jefferson County, West Virginia and the surrounding Shenandoah Valley. Before retiring, Patricia spent several decades as a U.S. Congressional staff member, ultimately rising to the level of Staff Director of the House Education and Labor Committee. Throughout her tenure, she steadfastly advocated for the advancement, rights, and opportunities of working people everywhere. Jim spent his career in transportation law and public policy, the bulk of which was spent as Vice President and Senior Policy Counsel of United Parcel Service (UPS) in Washington. Pat and Jim have each served in numerous leadership positions for professional, civic, and community organizations.