Lehigh County Executive Phillips Armstrong was influenced greatly by his blue-collar union family, which instilled in him the importance of a hard work ethic and a dedication to making a difference in the community. These life lessons motivated him to choose a path improving the lives of others. He found his first passion for public service in education. He graduated from Kutztown University in 1971 with a degree in secondary education and a minor in social studies and obtained his Master’s degree in education in 1975. He settled in Whitehall Township where he taught social studies for over 40 years. 

Phil brought creativity and innovation to the classroom, ensuring his students were provided with real-world experiences, cutting-edge lessons and learned critical skills. His students continue to express their gratitude to him to this day. He served as girls’ basketball coach and fought to ensure the school provided equal access to equipment and training facilities. He is in the Lehigh Valley Sports Hall of Fame and the Whitehall High School Hall of Fame. His quality in the classroom translated into praise and respect from his peers. His time in the Whitehall School District saw him rise to be head of the Social Studies Department. He was also selected to serve as Secondary Education Chairperson for the Middle States Council on Social Studies, where he worked to develop a state standardized exam for Social Studies.

Phil’s retirement from education led him to his next venture into public service when he was appointed to the Whitehall Board of Commissioners. He moved to bring civility and common sense to the board and was selected by his peers to be board president. His leadership produced a reduction in the garbage tax, and held the line in all other forms of taxation. The township has a capital replacement plan for its emergency services, a fully funded police pension system, and is in the process of paying off all its debt. He remains an active member of his community. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Whitehall Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Whitehall Lion’s Club. Currently, he serves on both the Counsel of Trustees for Kutztown University and the Board of Trustees for Penn State Lehigh Valley.

In February, 2021, Phil was elected to the National Association of Regional Councils Board of Directors. He represents all the councils of governments,