Mr. Hamel recently retired from the Federal Correctional Institution in Ray Brook, NY where he worked as the Environmental and Safety Compliance Administrator.

Phil served as a Board Director of SAIGE from 2008 – 2013 and served as the Native American Special Emphasis Program Manager (SEPM) from 1997- 2019 at Ray Brook. He was recognized by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) with SEPM awards for four separate years, and in 2016 he received a SAIGE Award for Leadership. These awards were for his efforts in education, outreach and commitment to American Indian and Alaskan Native issues, and the dissemination of information regarding various American Indian issues both within the BOP and to outside organizations. While at Ray Brook, Phil utilized his many contacts to educate staff on American Indian and Alaska Native issues, and to have native Spiritual Leaders come in to speak with American Indian inmates in hopes of decreasing their recidivism.

Phil is a longtime SAIGE member who actively participates in organizing, supporting and volunteering at the SAIGE National Training Program each year. He lives with his wife and two sons, who recently graduated from college, in upstate New York.