Lisa Phillips named Winrock International’s first vice president of development
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Oct. 6, 2025 — Winrock International has named Lisa Phillips as its first vice president of development, a new role that will strengthen the organization’s ability to expand philanthropic partnerships and diversify funding to meet urgent global challenges.
Phillips brings more than two decades of experience leading institutional growth, strategic engagement, and high-value fundraising initiatives in climate, sustainability and public health. She will oversee Winrock’s development strategy, guiding efforts to cultivate global partnerships and secure new sources of support that advance the organization’s mission to empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity and sustain natural resources.
“Lisa has a proven record of building transformative partnerships that deliver measurable impact,” said Winrock President and CEO Maqsoda Maqsodi. “Her leadership will be critical as Winrock expands its philanthropic base and grows our innovative, science-driven work in agriculture and water, environment and climate, and human rights – both here in the U.S. and abroad.”
Most recently, Phillips served as senior director of institutional partnerships at the Columbia Climate School, where she partnered with leadership and faculty to design and lead fundraising strategies in support of Columbia University’s newest school. Prior to that, she was a director of development at RMI (formerly Rocky Mountain Institute), where she contributed to a sevenfold increase in the organization’s size during her tenure. At RMI, Phillips led large-scale, multi-year funding opportunities that supported programs across the global energy transition and managed fundraisers on an international team.
Her earlier career includes leadership positions at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health and the Earth Institute, where she served as executive director of the Lenfest Center for Sustainable Energy.
Phillips also lends her expertise through board and advisory service. She is an advisory council member with Adamah NY, a Jewish environmental nonprofit, and a founding member of Climate Vine, a global multidisciplinary climate action network.
“I am thrilled to join Winrock at this pivotal time in its growth,” Phillips said. “Winrock’s history of innovation and its commitment to people, climate, and sustainability provide a powerful foundation for new partnerships that accelerate impact around the world.”
Phillips’ appointment reflects Winrock’s continued investment in leadership and institutional capacity as the organization marks its 40th anniversary in 2025 and looks ahead to the next era of growth.