“Suit up and show up” were words the late Ed Phillips lived by. The Los Angeles native embodied that message daily as the leader of the innovative company he built, Matthews Studio Equipment, and during his years of volunteer leadership at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center.

Ed was deeply connected to Providence Saint Joseph. He was born at the medical center, and he and members of his family had great patient experiences there. Personally, and through his company, he supported the hospital with gifts directed to neurosciences and the Minutes Matter Emergency Services campaign. Ed served as a foundation board member, actively campaigning on behalf of the hospital.

“We were so fortunate to have Ed on our board,” says Tina Johann, president and chief philanthropy officer. “He was a tremendous advocate for the hospital and a wonderful man. He is dearly missed.”

Passing the baton
Ed’s daughter, Emily Habibi, adopted his motto — and his dedication to volunteerism and philanthropy. She took over Ed’s seat on the foundation board when he passed away in June 2019 and continues the family’s long history of providing philanthropic support for the hospital.

Emily is proud to carry her father’s legacy forward. “Providence Saint Joseph was very important to my father, and I feel that I’m honoring him by giving back to the hospital,” shares Emily. “It makes me feel closer to him.”

According to Tina, Emily is beautifully filling her father’s shoes. “Emily is known for her can-do attitude and never turning down an opportunity to serve,” says Tina. “We are very blessed to have this loving family closely connected to Providence Saint Joseph. Their generational generosity and leadership are making a real and sustainable impact on our community.”