Gary Phillips is a writer, naturalist and entrepreneur. He has a special interest and expertise in conservation easements and other land-protective strategies. Gary co-founded Weaver Street Realty over a quarter of a century ago. He lives in a rammed earth house with his wife Ilana Dubester in Silk Hope, North Carolina. Gary avidly reads poetry and anthropological science fiction, studies amphibian activities on full moon nights and was once chair of the Chatham County Board of Commissioners.

Gary is active with many non-profit organizations and currently serves on the board of the The Abundance Foundation, The Dogwood Alliance and Family Violence and Rape Crisis Services