Photo above: Devon with husband Stan and sons Everett and Camden
Devon Phillips joins the Georgia Urban Ag Council as Director of Membership, Marketing and Communications
My first job in the urban ag industry was...taking sod orders at Legacy Turf Farms. I quickly became the farm's "resident grass nerd," happily advising customers on everything turf-related.
My biggest challenge in my career has been…without a doubt, teaching middle school. The sheer volume of daily decisions and constant communication with students and their parents was incredible preparation for my future. That level of task management equipped me for any challenge this industry can throw my way.
The people who have influenced my career: My mom has been a huge influence. She has a high standard for presentation and takes immense pride in her work—traits I strive to emulate. Beyond her, I’ve learned valuable lessons from every manager and instructor I've worked with, each shaping my professional journey.
My biggest career success so far has been…..applying the public speaking skills I honed as a public school teacher to my work in the green industry. It's been rewarding to connect with and educate others in this field.
If I had it to do over again, I would…..not change a thing! I genuinely believe every experience has been a stepping stone that prepared me for what came next.
The thing I like most about my career is….. the opportunity to connect with brilliant, highly specialized people. I’m constantly learning from experts in agronomy, weed science, turfgrass, and seed production, and their passion is contagious.
One piece of advice I would give to someone entering the urban ag industry today is…..explore the incredible diversity of this field. Find the area that excites you and the community that supports you—that’s where you will thrive.
The one thing most responsible for my success is…my intuition. I've learned to trust my gut feelings; when an opportunity or a path feels right, I pursue it with confidence.
If I could change careers, just for a month, I would…work on the grounds crew for a professional athletic field or a premier golf course.
One thing that really annoys me is…seeing a beautiful landscape get overrun by invasive species like English ivy or Bradford pear trees.
When I’m not working, I like to…plan the next phase of my home garden.
One thing most people don't know about me is…I was a dedicated Girl Scout for most of my childhood. Learning practical skills like knot-tying, camping, sailing and canoeing gave me a foundational confidence that I still carry with me today.
Contact info:
- Address: 2566 Shallowford Road, Suite 104-Box 117, Atlanta GA 30345
- Phone: 706-750-0350
- Email: [email protected]
- Web: urbanagcouncil.com
