Walter Philips: 25 Years of Heartfelt Leadership at SD Youth Services Ends

In a modest office space at San Diego Youth Services (SDYS), the fluorescent lights flickered and briefly went out, casting a momentary shadow over Walter Philips. The longtime CEO, who retired June 30 after a quarter-century at the helm of the organization, sat backlit by the late afternoon sun pouring through the windows. Moments later, the lights returned, but for Philips, this was a symbolic end to a remarkable era.

Stepping aside to make room for incoming CEO Jonathan Castillo, Philips leaves behind an impressive legacy. Under his leadership, SDYS grew into a powerhouse in youth services with a $33 million annual operating budget, providing food, shelter, transitional housing, job training, mental health care, and other critical support to approximately 14,000 at-risk young people each year.

Philips never set out to become a CEO. After earning his master’s degree in social work from San Diego State University, he worked at various nonprofits focused on youth and family mental health—his true passion. His journey to leading SDYS began when he served on a board alongside the organization's then-CEO, who informed him that the top position would soon be open. Upon hearing about the mission and goals of SDYS, Philips felt it aligned perfectly with his values and vision.

“I threw my hat in the ring and got lucky enough to get hired 25 years ago,” Philips recalled. “It’s been the best decision I made for my career.”

A defining moment in his approach came during a conversation with Father Joe Carroll of Father Joe’s Villages, who emphasized the urgency of intervening early for homeless youth. According to Philips, service providers like SDYS are in direct competition with pimps, drug dealers, and others seeking to exploit vulnerable kids during their first night on the streets.

Early in his tenure, Philips built strong relationships with more experienced CEOs of partner agencies, learning from them and strengthening collaborations. For many years, SDYS stood alone as the primary agency in San Diego focused on youth homelessness, largely due to limited funding before 2017. Most of its resources came from Federal Youth Service Bureau grants aimed at sheltering youth, conducting street outreach, and supporting foster youth transitioning into adulthood.

The landscape shifted dramatically in 2017 when San Diego was selected as a pilot city for the national initiative Voices of Youth Count. That study revealed that one in ten young adults nationwide experiences some form of homelessness annually, with LGBTQ youth twice as likely to face such challenges compared to their peers.

In response, SDYS partnered with the YMCA and the San Diego LGBT Community Center to launch the LGBTQ Safe STAY Wellness Center. As of 2024, the center has successfully helped 11 young adults transition into independent housing.

Beth Davenport, COO of the San Diego LGBT Community Center, praised Philips for being a fierce advocate and unwavering source of hope for marginalized youth. She credited him not only with shaping organizational policy and programs but also with influencing countless lives through his compassion and integrity.

“He has been a personal source of mentorship and guidance for me,” Davenport said. “Walter’s wisdom, kindness, humor, and unwavering belief in doing what’s right have shaped not only my path, but the paths of so many others.”

According to SDYS’s 2023 annual report, roughly 82% of expenses were directed toward program costs, while 16% covered administrative and general operations, and just 2% went to fundraising. This reflects the organization’s commitment to putting youth needs first under its “no wrong door” philosophy—ensuring that any young person who walks through the door receives the help they need, regardless of circumstance.

Philips remains passionate about addressing youth homelessness with urgency, noting that every night spent on the streets increases the risk of exploitation or worse. Those who choose to work or volunteer at SDYS do so because they care deeply and want to make a difference.

“They want to have an impact on—making sure—that youth have a brighter future and have the opportunities to succeed,” Philips said. “That’s why I’m here.”