Patillo is the Deputy CIO of the U.S. Department of Transportation. She has been in this role since October of 2005.  Prior to this role, Patillo served as the CIO at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Patillo’s entire career has been in public service.

Before working at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Patillo was head of the infrastructure at the United States Mint. Patillo previously served as the CIO and Director of Data Systems Management for Alabama. Additionally, she was the CIO for the City of Anniston.

Patillo gradated from Jacksonville State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems. She later attended Auburn University where she earned a Master of Science degree in Public Administration.