Elizabeth is a graduate of Boston University, where she earned her BA in art history, and later earned her MBA from Pepperdine University, and a master of arts from Pacific Graduate Institute.

Professionally, she has worked in nonprofit management , and private foundation management. She has served on numerous charitable boards, museums, independent schools, and social service organizations. She currently serves as a trustee of Cate School, Carpinteria, and the Thornton Foundation, Los Angeles.
Patterson has a keen interest in the preservation and restoration of historic properties, including homes and gardens. Through her relationship with the Thornton Foundation and Thornton Gardens (a historic home and eight-acre garden in San Marino, California), she remains active with the Council of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Currently, she works as a licensed marriage and family therapist in private practice.