Carolyn Phillips
Carolyn Reber Phillips has spent 28 years shaping the Louisiana Political Museum in Winnfield, Louisiana, as its first executive director. Arriving in Winnfield in 1962 with the LSU Cooperative Extension Service, Carolyn quickly immersed herself in community life, teaching life skills and mentoring youth. Her commitment to service extended far beyond education; in 1980, she revived the Louisiana Forest Festival, a celebration of Winn Parish’s timber industry, and supported unique local traditions like the Hog Dog Baying Trials.
After retiring in 1993, Carolyn accepted Mayor Deano Thornton’s invitation to lead the Louisiana Political Museum and Hall of Fame. Under her stewardship, the museum grew from a single room of memorabilia into a state-funded institution honoring over 200 inductees and award holders. Carolyn worked tirelessly to ensure the legacies of Louisiana’s political leaders were preserved and celebrated.
Her dedication to tourism and economic development also included directing Winnfield’s Main Street program, organizing statewide bike rides, and promoting local history. Recognized as the Grand Marshal of the 2023 Winnfield Christmas Parade, Carolyn’s decades of leadership and passion have left an indelible mark on her adopted hometown.
From her early roots in Oklahoma to her extraordinary contributions in Louisiana, Carolyn’s career exemplifies community commitment, ensuring Louisiana’s rich political heritage is preserved for generations to come.