The Association of Advancement Services Professionals (aasp) is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Amy J. Phillips, a founding member whose vision, expertise, and mentorship helped shape the advancement services profession for more than two decades.

Amy was widely regarded as a standard-bearer for integrity and innovation in advancement operations. During the course of her 40-year career, including senior roles at The Catholic University of America, Tulane University, Children’s National Health System, and the Smithsonian Institution, she exemplified the thoughtful precision, generosity, and professionalism that define the best of our field.

Within aasp, Amy’s influence ran deep. As a founding member, Volunteer of the Year Award recipient, and frequent CASE faculty star presenter, she helped establish the culture of collaboration and professional generosity that remains at the heart of our community. Her mentorship and support elevated countless professionals, many of whom credit Amy for their early growth and confidence in this field.

Even after years of service and commitment, Amy remained invested in aasp’s success. She volunteered and stepped up wherever and whenever necessary as our profession and association evolved. Engagement wasn’t optional for her—it was in the fabric of her being.
Dr. Becky Frantz, aasp board member

Amy was a member of the profession before our professional organization was formed. I invited her to speak at a CASE conference in the mid-1990s and she remained a dedicated Advancement Services volunteer from then on. She was instrumental in the creation and running of the CASE Matching Gifts Advisory Council, and assisted me in an international matching gifts research project when I was a CASE VP - the findings of which were presented at #10 Downing Street.

And, of course, Amy was a Founding member of aasp and participated in many professional development programs conducted by aasp, including leading pre-conference workshops at aasp Summit.

Amy was the consummate Advancement Services Professional. Her passing leaves a void in our profession that can never be filled.
John H. Taylor, aasp Founding Member

Amy’s dedication to our profession and to aasp was truly remarkable. She carried an unwavering passion for sharing knowledge and lifting others up, always striving to help those around her grow and succeed. You could always rely on Amy to step forward, to contribute wholeheartedly, and to champion the vital role of advancement services. Her impact will be felt for years to come.
Dr. Wayne Combs, aasp board member

Amy was a passionate advocate and steadfast supporter of our profession, with deep expertise in gift processing and data integrity. During her time as a member of my team at Children’s National, I came to know Amy as genuine, thoughtful, and kind—and over time, we became friends. She was consistently supportive and encouraging, and for that, I am deeply grateful.

We are sending our love and sincere condolences to Amy’s family, and to all of us who cherished her and were fortunate to know her.
Shomari White, aasp Past President

I first met Amy Phillips in the early 2000s at a CASE Summer Institute for Advancement Services, and I sensed immediately we’d be lifelong friends. A founding member of aasp and a trusted board colleague, Amy always lent her voice to what mattered—steadfast and courageously. Our emails from 2007 onward trace years of conviction: chairing our membership committee and generously sharing her matching‑gifts expertise through aasp Summit presentations and webinars. More than her achievements, I’ll miss her wisdom, humor, and generous spirit. Her loss is felt across our profession and deeply in my heart. May we honor her by continuing the work she loved—with integrity, kindness, and courage.
Vicky Medlock, aasp Founding Member

To honor Amy’s extraordinary legacy and commitment to mentorship, aasp will be awarding the Amy J. Phillips Legacy Scholarship at our 2026 Summit. This award will enable an advancement services professional to participate in select aasp professional development events. Details about nominations and selection to follow. 

Amy’s contributions to aasp and to the advancement profession are immeasurable. Her work built systems that endure; her mentorship built leaders who carry her legacy forward.

In Loving Memory,
aasp Board of Directors