Originally published on August 01, 2025.
A 1993 Kearns High Cougar grad, Patrick Phillips is proud to be a first-generation Southern Utah University T-Bird. With a Yell Leader scholarship drawing him to SUU, it was the vibrant campus life and leadership opportunities that made it feel like home. His time in student government offered a transformative space to grow academically and personally, laying the groundwork for a thriving career in information technology.
Today, Patrick is the Salt Lake City-based senior vice president of IT for Sedgwick, the world’s largest company specializing in claims and insurance adjustments. Leading a team of 200 technology experts, he is at the forefront of reshaping outdated systems into modern, AI-driven platforms. These innovations help streamline tasks like processing claims and detecting fraud while improving overall efficiency, and Patrick is passionate about using technology to solve problems and make processes simpler and faster.
“I’ve always been a tech and science nerd, fascinated by solving big problems,” he says. “What I love most is seeing technology make a real difference and watching teams grow into their potential.” His dedication to building high-performing teams and mentoring talent underscores his professional philosophy: leadership grounded in values and purpose.
While SUU’s business program honed his strategic thinking, it was the lessons in resilience and self-discovery that left a lasting impact. “At SUU, I stopped coasting and started investing in my future,” he says. “I learned how to lead, make decisions, and thrive under pressure. That foundation has shaped everything I’ve done since.”
Beyond the office, Patrick is a devoted husband and father to twin daughters and two sons. Together, they share a love for skiing, hiking, traveling, and tackling projects as a team. He is also an adjunct professor and mentor, actively investing in the next generation of leaders.
Patrick is always quick to credit his Cedar City education as a vital cog in his success.
“SUU is where I found my voice, figured out what I was capable of, and started to see how I could make a real difference,” he says. “The friendships, the opportunities, the challenges, it all helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect. I’ll always be grateful for that. Go T-Birds!”
