Phil was born and raised in the city of Hornell and has deep roots and strong family ties across Steuben County. He graduated from Hornell High School in 1987 and from St. Bonaventure University in 1991, where he earned a bacheloras degree in Social (Political) Science.

Prior to his election, Phil worked for 15 years as a local aide for several of the regionas most well-known and widely respected lawmakers at both the federal and state levels- former state Assemblyman Donald Davidsen, former state Assemblyman Jim Bacalles, and former Southern Tier Congressman Randy Kuhl. Phil served as the District Director for former state Senator George Winner until taking office as assemblyman.

In his first run for public office, Phil was elected in 2009 as the representative of the City of Corning (District 2) on the Steuben County Legislature, where he served on the Agriculture, Industry and Planning Committee, and the Human Services, Health and Education Committee. He also was a member of the ProAction Inc. of Steuben and Yates board of directors. He was a county legislator for one year before winning election as assemblyman.

Phil currently serves on multiple committees in the state Assembly in which he works with his colleagues to shape state policy. He is the ranking minority member on the Energy Committee. He also serves on the Libraries and Education Technology; Corporations, Authorities and Commissions; Real Property Taxation; and Oversight, Analysis and Investigations committees.

Additionally, Phil is a member of the bipartisan New York State Legislative Commission on Rural Resources, comprised of majority and minority members from the Senate and Assembly, who work together on a wide range of issues including agriculture, economic development, education, environment, land use, local governments, transportation, and health and human services.

Active in community affairs, Phil has served on the Steuben County Community Services Board; the Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben Workforce NY system; and a member of the marketing committee of Catholic Charities of Steuben County. He has also served on advisory committees for Camp Good Days and Special Times, and the Greater Corning Chamber of Commerce Corning-Steuben Leadership Program, having been one of the programas inaugural graduates in 2008.

Phil and his wife, Laura, who works as a registered nurse in Corning Hospital, reside in Corning with their two children.