Phil is a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church with a law practice that has focused on nonprofit institutions including church-related organizations. He graduated from The Ohio State University and Harvard Law School. He was the founding director of the Center for Constitutional Studies and an associate professor of law at the University of Notre Dame before returning to his native Ohio to continue his law practice.
UCH Board Vice Chair Philip E. Mallott introduced him to United Church Homes and identified him as a valuable potential new member.
“I admired (Philip Mallott’s) general acumen about policy and related issues in higher education,” Phil said. “I admired his commitment to his church, and the two of us happened to join together in our affection for the Cleveland Indians.”
Two areas struck Phil when he considered joining the Board. One was the historic church roots of United Church Homes, which was started more than 100 years ago by pastors who served in what would become the United Church of Christ. That relationship continues today.
The other area was United Church Homes’ mission to transform aging by building a culture of community, wholeness and peace.
“Most institutions like United Church Homes tend to focus solely on their own communities, but I appreciated United Church Homes’ ambitious agenda of transforming aging beyond its own communities. I thought that was worth some investment and time,” Phil said.
An attorney since 1965, Phil serves as legal counsel for the West Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church. He is active in his local church and serves on a number of other boards, including the Ohio Poverty Law Center and regional legal aid boards in Ohio. From 1972-75, Phil served as executive assistant to Ohio Gov. John J. Gilligan.
Phil and his wife, Marilyn, have three adult children scattered throughout the U.S. They have been married 25 years.
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