Kate Phililps
Kate in 2008 at the Grand Canyon.
Kate Phillips
Reception/Facility Sales
Kate Phillips is the reception and facilities manager for Shelby Farms Park Conservancy. She's the first face folks see as they enter the Visitor Center, and the lovely voice they hear on the phone when they call. Kate (along with husband John & daughter Lucy) moved to Memphis eleven years ago after living in India and Malaysia, but Kate was born and raised in England. Kate's longtime love for the Park and first-person knowledge of all the nooks and cranies make her a valuable asset for Park users and staff alike!
Hobbies: Photography, walking, travel, biking
Why did you get involved with Shelby Farms Park? What nicer place could there possibly be to go to work each day? We have been coming to the park each week for the last eleven years and the opportunity to work here was too good to pass up! I was born and raised in England, where walking is the national pastime. Shelby Farms Park makes me feel at home in Memphis.
What is your favorite place in the Park? The off-leash area is a family favorite, especially with our dog Ellie who loves the freedom to swim in the lakes and tear across the fields.
What is your favorite place in Memphis (other than Shelby Farms Park)? I love to ride the trolley downtown. It's the best dollar value in the city! And the sunsets from the Peabody rooftop are spectacular. We take all of our visitors!
What's the most fun you've ever had: The most fun and challenging thing I've ever done is summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2005. It was really difficult, and it took six days to trek up the mountain. I don't think I've ever been as dirty, smelly or tired, but I've also never been as proud of myself.
Scariest thing you've ever done: See answer above!
Something most people don't know about you: I used to be an avid horseback rider. I had my own horse and did a lot of riding.
What is your favorite thing about your job: It's my job to ensure that people are in the park on the right day at the right time in the right place with everything they need. I schedule all the events, parties, festivals and gatherings. I make sure visitors have successful events, reunions and meetings. It's incredibly varied; no two days are the same!
Shelby Farms Park is my home away from home!
