Welcoming Caroline Newman Phillips as Chief Development Officer
Welcoming Caroline Newman Phillips to The Trail Conservancy as Chief Development Officer
We’re thrilled to share some exciting news: Caroline Newman Phillips has joined us as our new Chief Development Officer! Caroline comes to The Trail Conservancy with a deep connection to the mission, both personally and professionally. A lifelong runner, outdoor enthusiast, and mentor, she views the Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail as her second home in Austin.
Caroline brings nearly 20 years of experience in the Austin philanthropic sector to the Chief Development Officer role, leading teams and raising major funds for causes such as youth homelessness, public education, and affordable housing. Most recently, Caroline served as the Senior Director of Philanthropy at LifeWorks. She has a Master’s in Public Affairs from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at UT-Austin and a Bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College.
Get to know Caroline:
How would you describe yourself to someone who has never met you?
Look for the extroverted giantess having an animated conversation!
Austin is known for its unofficial motto, “Keep Austin Weird.” What’s something unique about you that helps you fit right in?
I’ve spent over 6 months of my life (cumulatively) sleeping in a tent in the backcountry and am a trained outdoor educator. I love being out in the woods where the stars shine brighter, and the pace moves slower. My “must-packs” for the journey: chocolate, a small but cozy pillow, and a costume or two to liven up the hike.
The Trail is a place where people come to recharge. What’s something that helps you recharge after a busy week?
Time in nature, with my loved ones, with plenty of laughter thrown in. I love a good dad joke, the cheesier the better.
What is something important that people should know about you?
Many of the most transformative moments of my last two decades – athletically, personally with my family, socially with friends, and as a volunteer – have taken place on the Butler Trail. I’m so thrilled to add professional moments to that list with my new role, and look forward to hearing our supporters’ personal “trail stories.”
If you had to describe the Butler Trail in three words, what would they be?
Joy, reflection, home.
What’s the best piece of leadership advice you’ve ever received?
“There can only be one most important thing,” and also “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind, always.” The former reminds me of the importance of prioritizing and triaging. The latter helps me center my life via building and sustaining relationships.
Five years from now, what impact do you hope your work at The Trail Conservancy will have on the Trail and the Austin community?
The team here at TTC, and our corresponding vision and goals, have grown exponentially in the past few years. I’m honored to be a leader helping move this expanded strategy forward. Five years from now, I hope to see some exciting new projects successfully funded and completed, as well as all 10 miles of trail being fully maintained, accessed, and enjoyed by residents from all walks of life across Austin. The mission of TTC is to protect, enhance, and connect, and there is so much inspiring work to be done in each of those areas. I’m excited to partner with all of you across the broader community and make it happen!
