Phillip LeConte
Photographer, writer, and nonprofit founder
Phillip LeConte is an Austin, Texas-based professional photographer, writer, and founder of two long-standing nonprofits. He is the creative engine behind ChaplainUSA's Police Chaplain Project—the nation's only digital archive dedicated to preserving the oral histories and wisdom of police chaplains.
Since 1992, he has led the Junior Police Academy, a nationwide organization that builds positive relationships between youth and law enforcement.
Early Career in Public Relations and Feature Writing
After graduating from the University of Illinois, LeConte moved to Los Angeles, where he worked in television public relations on the Stephen J. Cannell series 21 Jump Street and Hunter.
As a feature writer, he interviewed prominent figures across entertainment and journalism, including actor Roy Scheider, actress Sally Field, Academy Award-winning director Robert Benton, and journalist Bill Moyers.
In 1986, LeConte authored the Psychology Today feature The Psychologist as TV Guide, which introduced readers to network television's growing use of psychological consultants. The article gained national recognition within academic and media circles, leading to the adoption of psychological consultants across the industry.
Nonprofit Leadership and Educational Programming
In 1992, LeConte co-founded the Junior Police Academy (JPA) alongside his father, retired police officer Robert LeConte (1930–2000). Designed to bridge the gap between young people and law enforcement, JPA developed character-building and citizenship programs. Through JPA, Phillip authored educational curricula that have been adopted by police departments and schools nationwide.
In 2008, after meeting pioneer chaplain David Fair, LeConte expanded his nonprofit focus to public-safety chaplaincy. That encounter inspired him to found the Police Chaplain Project, a video-based archival initiative that captures, curates, and preserves the firsthand insights of first-responder chaplains facing critical incidents, line-of-duty deaths, and community trauma. Today, the project serves as the video repository for ChaplainUSA, providing field-tested wisdom for chaplains and first responders across the country.
Photography and Current Work
A professional photographer, LeConte’s editorial and commercial photography has appeared in publications such as the Austin Business Journal. Fine art prints of his work have been sold at auction to benefit regional cultural and charitable organizations, including the American Cancer Society and the Austin Museum of Art.
Through his agency, The Arclight (westaustin.org), he continues his creative work in digital media, documentary production, and web design in Austin, Texas, where he resides with his dog Pete and unselfconsciously greets people with “howdy”.