Phil Cole joined the U.S. Corps of Engineers in the Portland District in 1947, working on design, construction, and operation of water resources. He progressed to resident engineer positions on several major projects, including the Hills Creek Dam on the middle fork of the Willamette River, the Green Peter-Foster dam complex in the mid-Willamette Valley, and the Libby Dam project in Northwest Montana for the Seattle District. In 1974, he became chief engineer for the North Pacific Division, directing engineering, planning, and design for the Civil and Military programs of the Corps in the five Northwest states and Alaska. After retiring from the Corps in 1980, Phil worked for CH2M HILL for several years as a department manager for hydro activities in the Portland region and as senior advisor for water resources nationwide. Cole has served on many committees and boards and received numerous awards, including decoration for Exceptional and Meritorious Civilian service to the Corps. In addition to serving in the U.S. Army from 1942-46, he served as a reserve officer, retiring as a major in 1964.
Degrees
- B.S. Civil Engineering, 1947