Overview
Stefanie Phillips is an expert in innovative talent management systems and system change efforts. As Chief Talent and Equity Officer, she leads WestEd’s Human Resources, Learning & Development, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging teams, and she is responsible for developing and implementing innovative strategies for the agency and modernizing the agency approach to talent development.
Phillips is the former Chief Executive Officer of the Chamberlin Education Foundation (CEF), where she directed grant-making and programmatic investments that support West Contra Costa (WCC) Unified School District’s (CA) educators and leaders, WCC charter school quality, local community leaders, and education advocates. She fostered an inclusive, equity-focused vision and brought extensive educational leadership experience to the CEF team.
Additionally, Phillips served as Superintendent of the Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD). As the first African American to serve as Superintendent of SAUSD, she focused on increasing leader efficacy to drive instructional improvements. Coupled with her expertise in financial management and system leadership, Phillips increased supports to students while balancing budgets and rightsizing the organization.
Before serving as Superintendent, she served as both an Assistant and a Deputy Superintendent (Ontario, Chino, CA; Clayton County, GA, respectively), a Chief Business Officer (Grant Joint Union High School District, Sacramento, CA), and a staff analyst at the California Department of Finance.
Education
- EdD in educational leadership, University of Southern California
- MBA in finance and marketing, University of California, Davis
- BS in managerial economics, University of California, Davis
Select Publications
Phillips, S. (2005). The teacher evaluation process and its impact on teacher practice [Doctoral dissertation, University of Southern California, Rossier School of Education]. ERIC.
Phillips, S. (2003). Leadership in an era of fiscal uncertainty. USC Urban Ed Magazine. University of Southern California, Rossier School of Education.
Honors and Awards
Association of California School Administrators, Region 6, 2022 Outstanding Partnership Award
California African American Superintendents Association, 2017 Superintendent Award Recipient
California League of High Schools, Region XII, 2008 Administrator of the Year
Phi Kappa Phi, Inc., Honor Society, 2005 Initiation
American Association of School Administrators, 2004 Worth McClure Award Recipient
Phillips serves on the Board of Directors for several organizations, including the Chamberlin Education Foundation, EdVoice, EdVoice Institute, and California Education Partners.
Phillips is a member of the adjunct faculty of USC Rossier School of Education and a faculty member and mentor with the Urban Superintendents Academy, AASA.
Phillips is a member of the Dean’s Superintendent Advisory Group, Rossier School of Education, University of Southern California.
Recent Media Appearances
- In the Principal’s Office with Angie & Michele, Feb 03, 2021