GREEN BAY, Wis. (January 2, 2026)— To mark his 85th birthday on Jan. 1, 2026, CAPT James Harvey, USN (Ret), concluded a distinguished tenure as President of the USS Wisconsin SSBN 827 Association. The Association extends its profound gratitude to CAPT Harvey for his steadfast leadership, strategic guidance, and unwavering commitment to honoring Wisconsin’s naval heritage while preparing the Association to support the Sailors and families of the upcoming COLUMBIA Class submarine USS WISCONSIN (SSBN 827).
His stewardship leaves a robust foundation for continued growth and communal impact. Effective Jan. 1, 2026, Lisa Phillips
formally assumed the role of President of the USS Wisconsin SSBN 827 Association. Having previously served as Vice President, Phillips steps into this position with the unanimous support and confidence of the Board of Directors and a resolute commitment to advancing the Association’s mission.
Phillips brings nearly four decades of distinguished civilian service as an acquisition engineer in support of the nation’s submarine force. Over the course of her 38-year career, she collaborated extensively with the submarine community, supporting generations of Sailors, engineers, and defense leaders responsible for designing, developing, delivering, and sustaining the country’s most survivable strategic deterrent.
Her professional contributions consistently focused on enabling the submarine force to operate safely, communicate reliably, and execute missions with absolute confidence, responsibilities she upheld with a rigorous sense of accountability and patriotic purpose.
This commitment is deeply personal. Her husband, Keith Phillips, is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and a former submarine officer. Having experienced the rigors of submarine service and the inherent sacrifice firsthand, Phillips brings a unique perspective to the role, one anchored not only in professional expertise but also in a deep understanding of what it means to entrust loved ones to the “Silent Service.” This firsthand perspective has shaped her lifelong dedication to supporting Sailors, their families, and the communities that sustain them.
The connection Phillips maintains with the state of Wisconsin is both personal and enduring. Through family ties, close friendships, and a well-known affinity for the Green Bay Packers, she has long considered Wisconsin a second home. Keith Phillips further strengthens those ties, having grown up in Green Bay and graduated from Abbot Pennings High School in De Pere before beginning his naval career. Together, they share a deep appreciation for the values of the state, its people, and its proud tradition of military service.
As President, Phillips will focus on ensuring organizational continuity while strategically expanding the Association’s reach and impact across the state and the nation. She is particularly passionate about advancing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, skilled trades, and workforce development. This vision integrates early engagement through schools, youth organizations, and scouting programs, and extends through higher education pathways. She is also a strong advocate for increasing opportunities for women in STEM fields and is committed to ensuring that the Association’s initiatives remain inclusive, accessible, and forward-thinking.
Phillips approaches this role with integrity, steady judgment, and a multigenerational vision rooted in responsible stewardship and respect for the state’s naval legacy. Under her leadership, the USS Wisconsin SSBN 827 Association will continue to grow as a premier organization, one that honors service, supports Sailors and families, promotes education, inspires future generations, and strengthens the enduring bond between Wisconsin and the submarine that bears its name.
Please join the Board in thanking CAPT Harvey for his exceptional service and welcoming Lisa Phillips as President of the Association.
FORWARD!
About the USS Wisconsin SSBN 827 Association:
The USS Wisconsin SSBN 827 Association supports the future crews and families of WISCONSIN (SSBN 827), promotes Wisconsin’s naval legacy, raises awareness of the Silent Service’s critical role, fosters STEM education, and strengthens community connections.
Learn more at: http://www.usswisconsinsub.org/.
Contact:
CAPT Kathy DiMaggio, USN (Ret), Secretary
USS Wisconsin SSBN 827 Association
Email: dimaggio.kathy@usswisconsinsub.org
Lisa Phillips, President
USS Wisconsin SSBN 827 Association
Email: phillips.lisa@usswisconsinsub.org
