Education

• Ph.D., Georgia Institute of Technology
• Masters, The University of Georgia
• B.S., The University of Georgia

About Debbie

Dr. Debbie Phillips is an internationally recognized real estate professional with over 32 years of experience with diverse property types. As an entrepreneur, Debbie has a multi-faceted career including serving as advisor to global real estate companies, developing world-class leadership development programs and talent management strategies. She was recognized in 2018 and 2019 as a Woman of Influence in Real Estate by Globe Street and was awarded the first Real Estate Award of Excellence as a Certified Property Manager (CPM) in 2015 by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM). In addition to her private consulting, Debbie serves as President of the Real Estate Career Academy, a non-profit that focuses on career awareness for those exploring careers in real estate and construction management. Debbie completed her Ph.D. from Georgia Tech, where she developed an Employee Engagement Model for the Multi-Housing Industry. Her areas of research include affordable housing, workforce development, sustainability and talent management. In addition to teaching and consulting, Debbie is an author, career coach and nationally acclaimed speaker.

Awards

2019 Woman of Influence in Real Estate – Globe Street; 2018 Woman of Influence in Real Estate – Globe Street 2016 Excellence in Education Georgia Institute of Technology 2015 CPM of the Year – Institute of Real Estate Management 2015 REME Award for CPM of the Year, Institute of Real Estate Management 2014 ACE Educator of the Year – National Apartment Association 2012 Certified Property Manager of the Year, Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), Georgia 2012 Excellence in Teaching Recognition, Georgia Tech 2011 Excellence in Teaching Recognition, University of Georgia

Memberships

• Board Member, Shelters to Shutters (current)
• Member, Georgia Real Estate Commission Education and Advisory Committee (current)
• Board Member, Georgia College and Career Academy Network (GaCAN) (current)
• Director of Industry Outreach, Health Occupations Student Association “HOSA”, (contract assignment January 2019-March 2019)
• Member, Association for Talent Development (current)
• Member, Journal of Delta Sigma Pi, Business Honor Fraternity (current)
• President, Georgia Apartment Industry Education Foundation (2004 – 2017)
• National Apartment Association Education Institute Board of Directors (NAAEI) (2016-2017)
• National Apartment Association Education Institute Careers Committee (2016-Present)
• Education Conference Planning Committee for the National Apartment Association (2017)
• Board of Industry Sponsors, Georgia Piedmont Technical College (2014 – present)
• Board of Directors, National Apartment Association Education Institute (2011-present)
• Co-Chair, Membership Committee, Housing Educators and Research Association (2010-2011)
• Board of Directors, Community Life Concepts (2012-2014)

Additional Information

• Served as Project Director for the development of the Multifamily Housing textbook – the first and only project endorsed by the Institute of Real Estate Management, National Apartment Association, and the National Multifamily Housing Council.
• Served as a co-author for the Lessons in Leadership for Real Estate Professionals.
• As part of a statewide coalition, produced a white paper: “Priced-out, Shut Out and Segregated” that addressed issues of fair housing, physical, mental, and emotional disabilities of underrepresented populations in Georgia.
• IREM White Paper: Leadership Development: Networking * JPM Magazine: VISION 20/20 –Your Leadership Acuity, January 2020

Vice Chair of the National Association of Home Builders Student Advisory Board
1st Place Outstanding NAHB Student Chapter of the Year
2021 National Housing Endowment HELP Grant Winner

What year did you start teaching at NewSchool?

2011

What led you to pursue a career in the construction industry?

My father! He was my first hero and role model! I was introduced to residential construction at birth. My dad was a brick mason then later became a general contractor. I spent every summer going to work with him. In my family, the first-born male becomes a general contractor. I am my dad’s only child, so I was destined to have a career in construction.

Why did you start teaching at NewSchool?

My mentor Dr. Linda Thomas Mobley always spoke to me about teaching. I was a teaching assistant when I was attending graduate school and I quickly realized I had a gift with it.

In your opinion, what makes NewSchool special?

It’s a safe place where faculty and students can be themselves while obtaining a great education.

What are the challenges, if any, faced by women in a male-dominated field?

The biggest challenge is not getting a chance to prove yourself in the field. Some females would like to be superintendents and not sales associates!

Throughout your time in the construction industry, what are some ways you feel it has changed?

There is definitely more diversity in the field! There is also more mainstream interest in the craft.

What’s something interesting you’re currently working on? Personal or professional.

I am working on research exploring women in the construction industry. I want to research the experiences of women in the industry and how we can promote and introduce more women in the industry.

What is your favorite part about educating the next generation of construction managers?

My favorite part about educating the next generation is being a part of their journey and seeing how far they go. Many of my students have made me very proud.

If you could provide advice to a young female interested in a career in construction, what would it be?

I would tell young females in the industry to JUST DO IT! Don’t be afraid of what might happen. Our industry is more open to women than ever before and I truly believe this is the time to be a woman in the industry.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career to date?

The most important lesson I learned is to believe in my abilities and knowledge. I earned my spot in the industry and I should not think differently.

What has you most excited about the future?

I am most excited about new technologies that are being introduced. The industry has not changed much in its processes, and I think the new generation is going to provide more innovative ways to accomplish many tasks in the industry.

Education

• Master of Engineering, University of Alberta
• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, University of Sarajevo

About Momo

Teaching the next generation of leaders in the Construction Management field is our mission. My simple approach is in combining teaching Construction Management strategies with over 30 years of experience as a West Yost Associates Client Manager for the San Diego basin. Besides engineering duties various business development elements were applied and mastered. City’s GIS system maps updates using most recent GIS information and information from O&M field personnel; the information processing using most recent edition of Infrastructure system modeling software. Preparing students with the acquired knowledge, concepts and processes would require work with a tools that have yet to be publicized is a principle mantra of our program. My passion for education and the professional development of young leaders has allowed me to mentor and guide several entrepreneurs and businesses throughout my career through student outreach program of the CMAA San Diego Chapter. This experience allows me to combine academic acumen and vast practical experience to bring a unique perspective to the classroom.

Memberships

• PE – Professional Mechanical Engineer registered in California, Washington and Alberta, Canada
• CCM – Certified Construction Manager by Construction Management Association of America (CMAA)
• BCEE – Board Certified Environmental Engineer by American Academy of Environmental Engineers (AAEE)
• Current Vice President, President Elect, CMAA San Diego Chapter
• National CMAA Board Member
• ABET PEV