About Phil Gore, PhD

Experience at the table
Perspectives beyond it

Phil Gore is a researcher, author, speaker, and former local school board member. He holds a PhD in educational leadership and a bachelor’s degree in management.

His public service includes national, state, and local boards and committees. He co-edited Improving School Board Effectiveness and is the author of Confessions of a School Board Member: What Every Superintendent Needs to Know.

Through The Board Coach / Phil Gore Consulting, Phil helps leaders address the practical questions behind effective governance: Who decides? How do we communicate? What are we working toward? How will we know we are making progress?

Community Service

Phil sees community service as an essential part of holistic leadership. Leadership extends beyond professional responsibilities to how we contribute to the communities we belong to. Service creates opportunities to listen, collaborate, and take responsibility for the common good.

Phil has served on the CapEd Federal Credit Union Board since October 2024 and currently serves on two Idaho public charter boards. He participates in a local church, playing string bass in an orchestra and contributing to small groups and learning conversations.

Previously, Phil served as a public school district board member in the Seattle area. His community involvement has also included Rotary Clubs, Chambers of Commerce, state and national church denomination boards, Toastmasters, and leadership in community sports leagues.

He encourages leaders to view service as both a contribution and an opportunity to learn: to build relationships, understand different perspectives, and put leadership into practice beyond the workplace.

Candor, Clarity, & Common Vision

Phil considers your history, responsibilities, and vision to shape the work he does with you, whether that is executive coaching, board development, or keynote speaking. He recognizes that expectations and communication matter as much as policies and processes. He works hard to provide you with useful insight that you can apply in your next meeting, decision, or conversation.