Stephen Phillips was born and raised in Boone, NC, attended Hardin Park Elementary and Watauga High School and graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a Bachelors combining Business and Urban Planning.

After interning with a city planning firm in Germany in 1993 (and not needing a car the entire time!) he returned to Boone and started Cap Property Management in 1995. He has served on the Boone Planning Commission since 2000 and was a member of the Steering Committee for the Boone Appearance Commission. He also participated in updating the Boone Comprehensive Plan in 2005/2006 as well as being involved with the initiations of Smart Growth Principles for Boone.

He is the son of Ranny and Anna Boyce Phillips both of whom have contributed much to the community. His father served as a Commissioner for the NC Department of Transportation and as a Trustee at ASU. His mother among other things helped found the Alcohol/Drug Council of Watauga County which offers support to those who have been affected by substance abuse. His grandparents have also been very active in community affairs. His grandfather--the late Gordon Winkler--was mayor of Boone for 24 years during the 1940's, 50's and early 70's. He was also in the North Carolina State Legislature serving in both the House and Senate. His grandmother--Iva Dean Winkler--has always been an avid community supporter and in 1980 she had the honor of serving as a delegate for President Jimmy Carter at the Democratic National Convention.

Having grown up here and seen the changes to our town, county and region, he wants to put his background and talents to use for the citizens of Boone.

Stephen's philosophy is simple: he believes government should work as a facilitator. Leaders should prioritize their goals (based on the needs and desires of the people) and then set systems into place to help citizens achieve those goals. As an example, Boone residents recycle not only because it is good for the environment but also because the town makes it so easy. You put your recyclables in the “Blue Bin” provided by the town and then set the bin at the curbside once a week for collection. It's simple! He believes we can create more systems like this to help improve the town and the environment. While we need regulations to protect the public health,safety and aesthetics of Boone, Stephen believes those regulations should be easy to understand and follow--not overly complicated, needlessly difficult or, in some cases, impossible.