Phillip Carlsen's initial affiliation with Audubon Canyon Ranch was becoming trained as a Bouverie Preserve nature education docent in 2008. Subsequently, he co-chaired the training in 2012, joined the board of directors in 2015, and served as board president from 2020–2021.

Phil worked as a financial advisor from 1989-2014. Prior to his financial services career he was a crop consultant with Wilbur-Ellis 1978-1989.

"Climate change is a threat to humankind on a global scale and I view conservation science as one of the critical tools to reduce the impact of climate change," Phil says.