Prior to joining The Sanctuary Institute, after 43 years, she retired from her work as Manager of Public Information and Government Affairs at Con Edison in 2013, where she was a company liaison to community and government leaders and not-for-profit organizations.  She also co-chaired the Minority and Women-owned Business Committee at the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce.   During which time she created and organized many programs and partnerships to enhance and support the education of children and adults, especially in under-served communities.  She believes that education is the key to personal fulfillment and to improving the quality of life in our communities.   Her passion is to support the education and the development of others, and to assist them in achieving their goals, and living purpose driven lives.

Phyllis Chairs the Board of The North Brooklyn YMCA.   She is also Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees of Bridge Street Development Corporation.  Phyllis Chairs the Education/Scholarship Committee of the New York Metropolitan area chapter of the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE), and represents the Northeast on the AABE National Scholarship Committee.    Phyllis is past Chair of the Board of Directors of the Cardinal McClosky Community Charter School, and  is a past Trustee of The NAACP Act-So, The Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, InCollaboration Inc., The Brooklyn Children’s Museum, and Lighthouse International.

Phyllis has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business from Iona College, and a Master of Science Degree in Organizational Leadership (MSOL) from Mercy College.

Phyllis has been an Adjunct Professor in the Masters in Organizational Leadership Program at Mercy College, and has presented workshops at New York University’s School of Continuing Professional Studies.  She has also presented leadership workshops abroad, to the principals and teachers on the Island of Nevis, West Indies.   In 2014 she began working with The Volunteer Management Group where she presented workshops and one-on-one consultations with clients on subjects pertaining to philanthropy and volunteer program development and management.