San Diego Youth Services Announces the Retirement of CEO Walter Philips

San Diego Youth Services Announces the Retirement of CEO Walter Philips January 13, 2025,

San Diego Youth Services is announcing the retirement of CEO Walter Philips, effective June 30, 2025, after 25 years of service to the organization.

Walter began his social work career over 40 years ago and is a well-known and respected leader in the community. He has dedicated his career to changing the lives of vulnerable children, teens, and young adults to create a better future for the next generation.

“Leading San Diego Youth Services has been the honor of my life,” says Philips. “I have truly enjoyed working with our dedicated staff, board members, volunteers, and community partners, and I am so proud of what we have accomplished together.”

Over the last 25 years, Walter has worked tirelessly with local leaders to ensure services are available for those in crisis. Under his leadership, SDYS has grown from a small social services agency into one of the largest youth-serving agencies in San Diego, with an operating budget of $33 million. Today, SDYS serves 14,000 youth annually through access to housing, food, financial support, mental health services, education, and job training.

“San Diego Youth Services is now well known for the outstanding services it provides to vulnerable youth,” says Heather Stewart, Board Chair for San Diego Youth Foundation, the philanthropic arm of SDYS. “Under Walter’s leadership, the agency has become a trailblazer, piloting programs that are now commonly provided by other organizations.”

The SDYS Board of Directors has launched a nationwide search for Philips’ successor.

“Walter’s unique approach to working with our youth, our staff and our community partners alike, has made a significant, observable change in the lives of thousands,” says SDYS’ Board Chair Tim Ducker. “With his well-deserved retirement, we look forward to finding a CEO that will lead the organization into its next chapter.”

For information about the search, please contact the search team directly at sdysceo@koyapartners.com. All inquiries and discussions are strictly confidential.

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