Last weekend, Stephanie Phillips was inducted as the new Rotary District 7980 Governor, a district that has 54 Rotary Clubs and one E-Club (a Rotary club that meets on-line). These Rotary Clubs extend from the New York border to Rhode Island.
District Governors all select a project they will work on to empower and strengthen their district. Stephanie’s year as District Governor will focus on addressing food insecurity and promoting literacy, while helping clubs boost engagement, expand their reach, and broaden their impact — all with a Rotary experience filled with “belonging, purpose, and a lot of fun.”
Stephanie joined the District 7980 Rotary Club in 2012. She has been very active, becoming President in 2018-19 when her Club earned an Osterman Award, which honors the work of small clubs with thirty-two members or less. In 2019, the Club honored her with the Norm Parcells Award, and in addition, Stephanie earned two Paul Harris recognitions, and is a Paul Harris and Polio+ Society member.
She has been Assistant Governor for the last two years. In January of 2023, Stephanie was nominated for District Governor for 2025/26. Her highest honor and surprise was to receive the 2023 Annual District Donald A. Adams Outstanding Rotarian Award.
During Stephanie’s 12 years as a Rotarian, she has chaired several committees. As President, the Club joined several Global Grant projects, and she was honored in 2016 by sponsoring more than five new members. Through the various projects she has initiated, her Club made a significant impact on underserved minority youth, tackled food insecurity, and addressed homelessness. She is passionate about making a difference in her community.
Stephanie is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering. Prior to college, Stephanie grew up in West Hempstead, NY (Long Island) and attended Malverne High School.
Stephanie is best known in Stratford as the organizer (with the help of her Stratford Rotary Club) for the annual town wide Stratford Main Street Festival, held in June every year. The festival draws over 8,000 people, and boasts 250+ vendors from all CT towns. This festival highlights programs and services the Town offers.
Stephanie has a busy life outside of Rotary. She was the owner of a minority woman-owned Stratford-based technology consulting firm, SLR Group, Inc., that she founded in 1992. Stephanie has received many accolades from the community over the years. She is well-liked and respected for her hard work, responsible, calm nature, and willingness to say “yes” to help anyone.
Stephanie has volunteered in an elected office for over 14 years in her Stratford home community. She is Past Chairperson of Stratford’s Zoning Commission, completed 3-terms on the Stratford Town Council, and a previous 4-year term on the Board of Zoning Appeals. She is a member of the Stratford Chamber of Commerce, CARE (Citizens Addressing Racial Equity), Bethlehem House Advisory (Supportive Housing), and LGBTQ+ organizations.
Stephanie and her partner Pat (Patricia) Patusky have been together for 29 years (married 14 years), and together they enjoy traveling, movies, volunteering, their 16-year-old cat Gracie, and, of course, participating in Rotary.
