Debbie Phillips is a leader with extensive cross-sector experience in community and economic development. Phillips has a proven track record of working with area communities to develop projects that create jobs and improve quality of life in the region, both in her role as a non-profit executive and as a legislator.
During her tenure as CEO of Rural Action, Inc., a non-profit community economic development organization, Phillips led significant organizational growth, from a $2.8 million organization to a $21 million organization over a seven year period.
Prior to her role with Rural Action, Phillips served 8 years as a State Representative in the Ohio House, and as a member of House Leadership. While in the House, she served on a number of important committees, including Rules, Finance, Education, Health, Ag and Natural Resources and as Chair of the Council on Un-Reclaimed Strip Mine Lands.
She was the founding Executive Director of the Ohio Fair Schools Campaign, and also served five years on Athens City Council. Phillips believes deeply in the importance of people being involved in shaping the decisions that affect their lives, and loves finding the solutions to complex challenges. She lives on a small farm near Albany.
As CEO of Rural Action, Phillips led the growth of the organization, from a $2.8 million organization to a $21 million organization over a seven year period. Among her accomplishments during that period, she oversaw:
- Growth of the staff of Rural Action from 25 to 65 employees, growth of national service opportunities from 41-80 positions, and the addition of paid high school internships and paid workforce development opportunities.
- Raising more than $8 million in private donations to the organization.
- The acquisition of the assets of ReUse Industries, to create two new social enterprises: Upcycle Ohio Thrift Store and the Community Makerspace.
- Successful navigation COVID shutdowns and quick pivots to address food supply chain challenges and local production of PPE.
As State Representative for Ohio's 94th House District, Phillips worked hard to represent all of her constituents. She was particularly proud of her work to pass legislation to amend Ohio's high school health curriculum to educate teens about organ donation. She was a tenacious leader in efforts to improve school funding equity for rural, low-wealth school districts. And she was instrumental in a rule change that prohibited schools from charging students fees for essential materials, such as math workbooks.
Phillips also has extensive experience serving on local and regional non-profit boards, including:
- Current member of the board of Invest Appalachia, a regional non-profit developing blended capital strategies across Central Appalachia.
- Founding board member. Survivor Outreach and Advocacy Program.
- Founding board member. Ohio Valley Museum of Discovery.
- Former Member. Athens County Regional Planning Commission.
- Former member. Buckeye Hills Regional Development District General Policy Council.
