Roderick Phillips isn’t your average horticulturist. As the Senior Horticulture Manager for Brooklyn Operations at the New York Department of Parks & Recreation, he manages more than 500 parks, 129 baseball fields, over a million square feet of garden beds, and leads borough-wide pesticide and rat mitigation programs. With a team of over 60 staff members during peak season, his role is as dynamic as it is impactful. But the road to this position wasn’t straightforward—it’s a story of resilience, reinvention, and finding purpose. 


Roderick’s journey began in the Army, where he served a year in Iraq. After leaving the military, he transitioned into logistics, working for Atlas Air. But in 2009, his department was downsized, leaving him out of work with three young children, including a newborn. “It was the first time I ever felt like a failure,” he shared. Determined to take control of his future, Roderick turned his love of gardening into a business, Portrait Landscaping. Running his own business allowed him the flexibility to be a present dad while his wife returned to work. 
Despite his success, Roderick felt the need to set himself apart in the competitive landscaping world. His wife, a Farmingdale State College alum, introduced him to the school’s horticulture program. “I met with an advisor who explained that because of my previous degree from Drexel, I only needed core classes to earn my degree. The Military Liaison then told me the military would cover all my costs because of my service in Iraq. Within two days, I was enrolled.” 


Juggling evening classes with family responsibilities wasn’t easy. Roderick would pick up his kids from school, grab his wife from work, and bring the family to Farmingdale. His children would do homework in the car or at the student center while he attended classes. Through it all, he excelled, making the Dean’s and President’s Lists. 


Key mentors during his time at Farmingdale shaped Roderick’s path forward. “Dr. Iverson told me, ‘Don’t undervalue yourself or your education.’ That advice has stayed with me. It reminded me that my time, knowledge, and expertise have real value.” A course in Public Garden Management, taught by Prof. Susan Lacerte, expanded his understanding of horticulture. “I had always thought about the beauty of public gardens but never the business side—fundraising, salaries, material costs. That class opened my eyes to an entirely new perspective.” 


When asked what drives him, Roderick’s answer is simple yet powerful: faith and determination. “After being downsized, I had to remind myself that as long as you’re breathing, there’s hope.” He also credits his time at Farmingdale for reinforcing the value of focus and intentionality. “Returning to school later in life showed me how much you can achieve when you’re truly focused. I had more distractions, but I also had more drive.” 


Roderick’s advice to current students? “Have a plan, but don’t be afraid to pivot. Life doesn’t always go the way you expect, but hard choices today can lead to a better tomorrow. Most importantly, find something you genuinely love. Don’t chase the money—it’ll come naturally when you’re doing something you’re passionate about.” 
His story is a testament to the power of resilience, reinvention, and finding joy in what you do. “As long as you’re breathing, there’s nothing you can’t overcome.”