Philip Gorman
As Development and Events Manager, Philip works with donors, board members, VIPs, and community members to raise awareness and support for Wisconsin Conservation Voices’ programs.
My story
I grew up on farmland and woods outside of Madison that my family has lived on for six generations. Those days following game trails, talking to my cows, and learning to shoot a bow with my brothers are some of my best memories. Those gave me an early appreciation for Wisconsin’s natural wonders and resources. As I spent more time studying biology and ecology, my appreciation for the complexity and richness of the environment only grew.
I became an activist during the marriage equality movement in 2006. I tried to convince as many voters as possible to support my rights since I was too young to vote. During that campaign I was blessed to spend time with veterans of the environmental, civil rights, peace, and so many other movements. They listened to me and fought for me and I tried to return the favor. I entered that campaign as a marriage equality supporter and left as an intersectional progressive.
I went from volunteering to working in politics in 2014 as an organizer for Democrats in the Fox Valley and in 2016 in Dane County. I spent the following two years in freelance campaign management and fundraising work for several progressive, conservation-focused candidates.
After meeting my husband and moving to Beloit, I spent several years at Beloit College, fundraising to keep a liberal arts education accessible for students from all backgrounds. At Wisconsin Conservation Voters, I look forward to working with voters and activists all over the state to make sure we elect conservation champions and enact policies that promote clean water, clean energy, and democracy.
Background
Studied biology at Kalamazoo College
Volunteer, organizer, and staff on numerous Wisconsin political campaigns
Development professional with Beloit College
Chair of the City of Beloit Community Development Authority
Interests
I enjoy camping, cooking, space, paleontology, election results, and spending time with my husband, cat, and backyard chickens.
I’m a conservation voter because we need a healthy and biodiverse natural world – not just so we can continue to eat, drink, and breathe – but because nature is beautiful and complex and no human should be deprived of the opportunity to experience it.
Favorite place in Wisconsin: Newport State Park in Door County
Email: philip@conservationvoters.org