Before becoming a full-time mom, Laura worked for 12 years in commodity risk management and corporate banking.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Jim Phillips, the current Commissioner of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), has been a prominent figure in the sports world for decades.
He began his journey in athletics as a basketball team manager and student assistant at the University of Illinois, where he earned his bachelor’s degree.
He later pursued a Master of Education from Arizona State University and a Ph.D. in educational administration from the University of Tennessee.
His career in athletic administration began at the University of Tennessee, where he served as an Assistant Athletic Director.
He then moved on to the University of Notre Dame, where he held various roles, including Associate Director of Athletics.
In 2004, Phillips became the Director of Athletics at Northern Illinois University, a position he held until 2008.
Thanks to the best AD in the country, Dr. Jim Phillips, for having us over for dinner.
— Northwestern Basketball (@NUMensBball) September 26, 2017
Capped the visit with Go U Northwestern. #B1GCats pic.twitter.com/U38ZiOLXsu
In 2008, Phillips took on the role of Athletic Director at Northwestern University.
During his 13-year tenure, he was instrumental in elevating the university’s athletic programs to new heights.
Under his leadership, Northwestern saw a record number of Academic All-Big Ten honorees and numerous team championships.
Jim Phillips will serve as the next ACC Commissioner.
— The ACC (@theACC) December 14, 2020
Phillips brings more than 3 decades of experience in DI athletics, a track record of tremendous achievement, and a vision for the future of intercollegiate athletics. pic.twitter.com/pqr0fsk7NJ
In February 2021, Phillips was appointed as the Commissioner of the ACC, becoming the fifth person to hold this prestigious position.
As of 2024, his tenure has marked significant developments, including relocating the ACC headquarters to Uptown Charlotte and expanding the conference with the addition of Cal, Stanford, and SMU.
ACC commissioner Jim Phillips 'incredibly shocked and disappointed' in Miami College Football Playoff ranking https://t.co/jJWyuq1RYk via @on3sports
— John Glover (@TheOnlyG_Lover) December 4, 2024
Talking about his personal life, Jim Phillips is married to Laura Phillips, the youngest of seven children from a Chicago Catholic family.
The couple has five children: Luke, Madeline, Meredith, John, and James.
Laura Phillips holds a degree in economics from the University of Illinois and an MBA in finance from DePaul University.
Before deciding to stay home with her children, she worked for 12 years in commodity risk management and corporate banking.
Likewise, Laura is an avid marathon runner, having completed the Chicago and Boston Marathons.
All Five Children Are Involved In Sports And Athletics
As one would expect of a family so deeply involved in sports and athletics, all the Phillips children partake in some level of outdoor activities.
The oldest, Luke, ran track at Notre Dame. Madeline and Meredith were soccer players.
John plays basketball, while the youngest, James, is a multi-sport athlete, competing in soccer, baseball, and basketball.
In addition to all these activities, all five children were trained in the piano and ran cross-country.
Today in "Want to feel old?"
— College Sports Only (@CollegeSportsO) March 14, 2023
"Crying Northwestern Kid" — the son of former Northwestern AD & current ACC commissioner Jim Phillips — is now a freshman in college.
Me when I found this out: pic.twitter.com/xF0jEyooTH
In March 2017, a video showing a young John Phillips crying to a call during Northwestern’s game against Gonzaga became viral as “Crying Northwestern Kid.”
Jim Phillips’ Wife, Laura Phillips, Is A Marathoner
In 2016, Laura completed the Chicago marathon in an impressive 3 hours, 55 minutes, and 42 seconds.
Realizing that her time was fast enough to qualify for the prestigious Boston Marathon, she decided to give it a shot.
In an interview with the Chicago Tribute, she quoted,
I knew I had beat the qualifying time but didn’t know if I’d get into Boston. It’s all seeded. There’s only so many slots. When I got in, I knew I had to do it.
Via chicagotribune.com
In the same interview, Jim said about his wife,
I admire her. She’s the most selfless individual.
Via chicagotribune.com
As a dedicated mother and the family scheduler, Laura wished to inspire her kids, especially her daughters, with her marathons.
She added,
I get emotional with it, but I want the girls to see me doing things
Via chicagotribune.com
The couple explained that Laura’s marathon training sessions became a family affair and a way to escape the hectic day-to-day.
Jim added,
My life is complicated. Her life is complicated. At that moment, it’s not complicated. It’s pure. It’s a husband and a wife, two best friends having a chance to be together. It’s not about the kids. It’s not about me. It’s not about Northwestern. This is about her. Something she’s wanted to accomplish. The journey to do this is really inspiring.
Via chicagotribune.com
Laura finished the Boston Marathon in 4 hours, 14 minutes, and 47 seconds.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Jim Phillips is the youngest of ten children from a Catholic family.
- In 2021, Phillips was selected to serve on the 28-member NCAA Constitution Review Committee.
- In 2023, he was accused of covering up widespread hazing and sexual abuse within Northwestern’s football program, which led to multiple lawsuits.
