About Dustin Phillips
Backstory
Born and raised in Amarillo, TX, I moved to the DFW area as fast as I could to attend college.
My family and I have lived in Benbrook since 2009. We absolutely love our community! Benbrook is a great place to live and raise a family. Our neighbors and schools are excellent, and the vibe of our city is idyllic.
I am fascinated with social systems, politics, human communication, and entrepreneurship. You will often find me playing video games with my kids, cooking, micro-gardening, or raising chickens.
I've also been fortunate to travel inside and outside of America. I've spent time in Mexico, Nicaragua, El Salvador, the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Australia. Of course, Texas keeps calling me home.
Family
My family is beautiful! My wife, Marisa Phillips, and I were married in 2002. Mari is a native of Portland, Oregon who moved to Texas to attend Texas Christian University. She is a Calculus Teacher at Southwest High School in Fort Worth. Mari is a brilliant person, who loves gardening, travel, and serving her community.
Mari and I have a talented son, Clark, who is a video game fanatic, lover of horses, and future "survivalist." Clark is a fantastic person, who inspires us every day. He is also the best older brother in existence.
Victoria, our daughter, is the sweetest and saltiest little kid that Mari and I have ever known. She melts our hearts and challenges us to become more than we thought possible. Her zeal and creativity fill us with wonder and excitement.
Experience
In 2010, I co-founded a non-profit organization called Opportunity Resource Services. I continue to work at ORS as the President & CEO. ORS holds and facilitates five large grants funded by the Department of Education. ORS's staff works passionately every day to end generational poverty in Texas.
In 2018, I was elected to the Benbrook, TX City Council. It has been an honor and privilege to serve in this capacity.
Other Noteworthy Experiences:
- Former Treasurer, Lake Worth Sailing Club (Elected)
- Former President, Byers Square HOA (Elected)
- Former President, DMPVentures, LLC
- Former Adjunct Instructor, Communications at Tarrant County College
Education
In 2009, I earned a Master of Arts in Communications from the University of Texas, Arlington. In 2002, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Church Ministry from Southwestern A/G University.
Other Training:
- QuickBooks Accounting Software
- Project Management
- State and Federal Regulatory Compliance
- Human Resource Management
- Python 3 Programming Language
Personal Core Values
Community & Family
I believe in the power of community and in the strength of our families, in all the beautiful and diverse ways those families are formed. Supporting, nurturing, and empowering families is central to a healthy and vibrant community.
Honesty & Integrity
I believe that honesty and integrity are the pillars of leadership. These principles are most important for those who are in positions of influence.
Civil Liberty & Human Decency
At a time when we are divided on many issues, it is critical that we treat each other with respect and decency, and that we protect everyone's constitutional & civil rights.
Practical Solutions
I have always been interested in creative ideas that lead to practical solutions. I am a pragmatist at heart, and I identify with Nelson Mandela, who once said, "It always seems impossible until it is done." Let's put partisanship aside and get stuff done!
Sense of Humor
No one should take life for granted, nor should we lose the ability to laugh when things don't go our way. Dwight Eisenhower once said, "Always take your job seriously, never yourself."