Spencer Phillips, PhD, is Senior Director for Economics Research for The Wilderness Society.  With more than 20 years' experience in the field, his goal is to help people, communities and institutions understand and attain the benefits of improved land stewardship. Spencer's current research portfolio focuses on assessment of ecosystem service value of  public lands and the effect of wildland designation on local and regional economic outcomes.

Born and raised in Pennsylvania, he completed college and grad school in Virginia then joined The Wilderness Society's staff in 1992. After an initial focus on New England, his work has branched out to include extensive work with field staff across the country.

Backpacking on snowy Mt. Rogers in 1983 reconnected Spencer to wildlands and sparked his passion for exploring the intersections of wilderness with human spiritual and economic development. Whenever possible, he continues that exploration by skiing, hunting, canoeing, fly fishing and hiking. 

Spencer has served his local community as planning commissioner, hockey and softball coach, town moderator, volunteer firefighter and board member of Northeast Wilderness Trust.

Selected Publications:
 

Economics and Wilderness: Statement to House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands, 

Greater than zero: toward the total economic value of Alaska’s national forest wildlands