Todd Philips Joins Southwest Strategies As Public Affairs Manager

SAN DIEGO - Nov. 25, 2014 - PRLog -- Southwest Strategies, LLC, a top ranked San Diego-based public affairs firm, is proud to welcome Todd Philips to its team. Philips brings more than 19 years of public policy and executive management experience in both the public and private sectors to his role at Southwest Strategies, having most recently served as the Director of Economic Development and Policy for the North San Diego Business Chamber. Philips has served alongside the state's most prominent leaders and thinkers, successfully guiding campaigns that have resulted in bipartisan solutions and new policy initiatives.

As Director of Economic Development and Policy for the Chamber, he was able to work with members of the County Board of Supervisors and San Diego City Council. Philips spearheaded the Think Local First campaign, working closely with County Supervisor Dave Roberts to create a public awareness initiative that encourages purchasing, hiring and investing locally to help drive the regional economy.

Prior to joining the Chamber, Philips served as the Director of Governmental Relations and Legislative Affairs at San Diego Workforce Partnership where he oversaw the agency's comprehensive governmental relations strategy, labor market research activities, procurement process and regulatory compliance procedures. He worked closely with County Supervisors Ron Roberts and Greg Cox to implement workforce development initiatives throughout the County. He also served as the Director of Policy and Public Affairs with the San Diego Housing Commission, playing a critical role in shaping affordable housing policy in San Diego and the passage of the City's first density bonus program.

"Todd's extensive knowledge of governmental relations, labor and housing issues, and political campaigns is a tremendous asset to Southwest Strategies," said company president Chris Wahl. "I have no doubt the experience he brings will help to serve our clients better and present them with innovative solutions for their projects and goals."

In 2000, Philips successfully guided the San Diego City Council campaign for now U.S. Representative Scott Peters, where he worked alongside Jim Madaffer, Brian Maienschein and Donna Frye. Philips was then asked to manage the successful campaign of now California Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins' re-election to the San Diego City Council in 2004.

During his career, Philips has also worked for CNN in Washington, D.C., Rice University's Jesse H. Jones School of Management in Houston and the American Arbitration Association in San Diego.

"I am excited about joining the Southwest Strategies team," said Philips. "I have long admired the quality of work and success Southwest Strategies has achieved in the region, and I look forward to using my experience in the public sector to help our clients achieve their communications and public outreach goals."

In 2007, in recognition of his professional achievements, Philips was named to San Diego Metropolitan Magazine's 40 Under 40. He also received the John Craven Memorial Award by the San Diego Housing Federation, an honor given to a public sector employee who has shown outstanding commitment to affordable housing. Philips is a 2006 graduate of LEAD San Diego, a regional leadership development program.

As an active community leader in land use policy, Philips has been involved with numerous community groups, including Scripps Ranch Planning Group, Wakeland Housing and Development Corporation, San Diego United Way's Home Again program, San Diego Community Land Trust and the U.S. Conference of Mayors' Workforce Development Council.

Philips holds a Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego School of Law, a Master of Public Administration from the University of Houston, and a dual Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Religious Studies from Southern Methodist University.

About Southwest Strategies

San Diego-based Southwest Strategies offers a full range of communications and strategic services for a diverse client list. The firm's services include public affairs, community relations, crisis communications, public relations, media relations and government affairs. The company has been ranked by the San Diego Business Journal as one of San Diego's top 10 public relations firms. Alan Ziegaus and Chris Wahl formed Southwest Strategies in April 2000. For more information, visit http://swspr.com.