The Ford Family Foundation honors Carmen’s life and legacy as a philanthropic leader in our region
Carmen Ford Phillips, the only daughter of Kenneth Ford and Hallie Ford and former family representative on The Ford Family Foundation Board of Directors, passed away on September 6, 2025, in Beaverton, Oregon.
Carmen Ford Phillips served on our Board of Directors.
Carmen grew up in Roseburg, where her parents founded Roseburg Lumber (later Roseburg Forest Products) and became recognized leaders in philanthropy throughout southwest Oregon, eventually establishing The Ford Family Foundation. Guided by their values, Carmen was chosen in 1997 by Hallie to serve as her representative on the Foundation’s Board of Directors.
Over the course of her 10 years of service on the Board, Carmen was an ardent supporter of the Ford Opportunity Scholarship program, which was started by Hallie to support parents and adult learners in pursuing higher education, and the Visual Arts program, which was created in honor of Hallie after her passing.
She frequently attended Scholarship events and the earliest Hallie Ford Fellowship award receptions, working to support and uphold her mother’s vision and encourage students and artists in their endeavors. Carmen was also on the ground for several of the Ford Institute Leadership Program’s Conference of Communities gatherings, which brought together leadership training participants from around the state — youth and elders alike — for additional learning and connection.
Staff at the Foundation describe Carmen as extremely dedicated and insightful, while also bringing fun and humor to our work. “It was a gift to have her involvement for so long,” notes Denise Callahan, Director of Postsecondary Success.
Beyond her critical role at the Foundation, Carmen served on the board of trustees at Oregon Health & Science University. Prior to her passing, Carmen made a generous donation to various programs supporting the Hatfield Marine Science Center of Oregon State University, ensuring future generations will benefit from world-class education and research.
Carmen’s legacy is marked by her enduring desire to give back to her community.