A sixth-generation native of Clay County, Philip grew up in the Tusquitee community and graduated from Hayesville High School.  In 2001, he graduated from North Carolina State University with a degree in engineering.  He worked fulltime on the family farm for a year, helping raise beef cattle, hay, and burley tobacco, then spent four years with the NC Department of Transportation administering contracts for road maintenance.

In 2006, Philip answered a calling to work for natural resource conservation and sustainability in our region and returned to school to pursue a master’s degree in biology and adult education from Western Carolina University.  After completing graduate studies, he spent a year as an environmental consultant and community college teacher.  Philip joined the LTLT staff in September 2008.  His duties include working with farmers and other property owners who wish to conserve their lands in Cherokee, Clay, and Graham counties; assisting with land stewardship; and grantwriting.  Philip is a licensed Professional Engineer and has training in stream restoration, sediment and erosion control, and ecology.

In their spare time, Philip and his wife, Callie, director of the Hiwassee River Watershed Coalition, enjoy hiking, camping, reading, spending time with family, and helping out on the farm.