Communications for a Cause: Jolie Phanton Uses Media Skills to Serve in Nonprofit Sector

As a child, Julie Phanton was intrigued by the process of filming. Now, as the outreach coordinator for Mt. Hood hospice, she gets to coordinate movie screening fundraisers for the cause and write the script for the nonprofit’s marketing — among many other things. 

With a degree in communications and broadcasting from the University of Portland, Portland native Phanton has years of experience in different forms of media. She started out at her college radio station, then also worked for a time in TV.

“I’ve always been fascinated with the making of movies and TV and the whole process of it,” Phanton said. “The way an idea becomes a story and a final product. When I was little, I always pretended I was making movies. And I was put in charge of the family’s first video camera.”

Somewhere along the way, Phanton’s career path led her to the non-profit sector. Prior to coming to Mt. Hood Hospice In 2020, she worked for CYO/Camp Power as a director of communications, working with volunteers and athletic directors, and overseeing marketing for 16 years. 

And while she couldn't have predicted winding up at Mt. Hood Hospice, as someone formerly less comfortable with the concept of death, Phanton says she was drawn to that job because “it was community-based and helping people.”

“We get to be there for people at a really difficult time in their life, a time that they haven’t navigated before — both clients and their families,” she explained. “I’m working where my heart is.”

Phanton added that working for a nonprofit feels more like working with a family. 

“We eat lunch together and get together outside of work,” she said. “These people care, and they are people first.”

Aside from her job with Mt. Hood Hospice, Phanton also volunteers as a Sandy Area Chamber of Commerce board member and ambassador, and she has worked games with the Portland 

Trailblazers for 29 years. 

Having just celebrated her 5th anniversary on the job, Phanton said she's most looking forward to making even more meaningful connections in 2026. 

“This is the job I never knew I wanted, and I’m looking forward to continuing outreach and meeting new people, as well as educating more people about what hospice really is,” she explained. I’m also looking forward to the other side of my job: supporting people with the events we host, helping them honor their people. And also to the continued impact we have on the community.”