Beth Cogswell has spent her career working on issues of importance to her—women’s health and human rights, the environment, child welfare and public education. Most recently, she served as Director of Development for the School of Journalism at the University of Montana where she raised money for student scholarships and helped launch Report for Montana, a program focused on promoting democracy through local reporting in underserved communities. Beth was instrumental in securing long-term funding for a program that helps rural and Indigenous high school students tell stories about their homes. These audio stories have been picked up by public radio stations throughout the state.

Previously, Beth served as Executive Director for Youth Homes, a child welfare organization that provides shelter and therapeutic group care for youth in crisis.  Youth Homes is one of the largest non-profit organizations in Montana, with over 200 employees.  While there, Beth helped steer the organization through some of the deepest state budget cuts in the organization’s history, helping Youth Homes operate in the black while continuing to serve children in need.

Beth spent 13 years as Director of Development and Communications for Planned Parenthood of Montana. She was a founding board member for Planned Parenthood of Montana’s political action committee, and she served on the steering committee for Montana Women Vote.  

Beth is a passionate advocate for women and appreciates the Rankin Foundation’s role in transforming lives through education.

Beth is married to Rick Phillips and together they have two grown sons, Finn and Sam, as well as two dogs and three cats.  Beth loves to spend time outdoors hiking, gardening or just walking the dogs through her neighborhood.  She is an avid reader and loves to cook.