Longtime Casa Pacifica executive retires from nonprofit




Murphy

Murphy

It’s hard to say goodbye to something you love.

Vicki Murphy is heartbroken about leaving her job as chief operating officer of Casa Pacifica, a nonprofit treatment program for at-risk youths in Camarillo.

“It’s bittersweet. It’s ‘bru-tiful,’” Murphy said while on a short medical leave. Her retirement is happening earlier than she had planned due to a chronic medical condition that flared up. Her doctor told her to slow down.

“I’m retiring because I’m well,” Murphy said, adding that she and her husband, Dennis, have bought a ranch near Bishop that they are considering turning into some kind of retreat for at-risk youths. For now, the Murphys are traveling between their Westlake Village home and their ranch as they firm up plans for the future, which will include Casa Pacifica, she said.

Murphy became involved with Casa Pacifica as a volunteer in 1999. Previously, she had taught second grade for 10 years in Bel Air, where the students were from affluent families.

“The kids were so radically different and yet so radically the same because they’re kids,” Murphy said. “I have come to learn neglect isn’t economically based. Some of these kids had luxurious lives. Their nannies would come to parent conferences or show and tell. The kids at Casa have a different experience but the same problem. (The parents are) working two jobs so they can eat, and their kids are running wild. It’s never good if anyone has too much time on their hands.”

While volunteering, Murphy started speaking at various events and fundraisers at the behest of Casa Pacifica CEO Steven Elson.

Elson, who is planning to retire June 30, has nothing but the highest praise for Murphy, who was hired full time as development director and chief advancement officer in 2001. In 2017, she was named COO of Casa Pacifica, which offers services to more than 2,100 children and families at offices in Santa Maria, Santa Barbara and Camarillo.

“I would say Vicki has had the most impact on our agency and culture of any staff since we opened almost 26 years ago. No one has impacted our agency and culture as she has,” Elson said. “She, in many ways, was sort of a mom figure to many of the youth who came through our doors. She launched, advocated for and developed a program for transition-age youth—the 18- to 21-year-olds, which we have due to her efforts.

“She brought us a therapy dog, Archie, who was world famous in his lifetime. She has made great community connections and helped to highlight the Casa Pacifica profile in the community. Generally, her spirit, enthusiasm and faith in what we do has been inspirational for staff and kids.”

While losing two top executives at once can be daunting for an organization, Elson said he thinks the staff is prepared.

“I announced my retirement a year ago. We have had a long transition opportunity,” Elson said. “The board has asked me to stay on half-time for a year. And I think Vicki has developed a strong team. We’ve got some really great next-generation leaders ready to step in and take on this really amazing task.”

Murphy said she will miss working with the young people who come to stay at the Casa Pacifica facility on Lewis Road. The youths who come to stay at the facility, which houses about 70 kids in cottages at any given time, are usually in the foster care system or other difficult situations.

She acknowledged that dealing with troubled youths can be a challenge. But it’s a challenge she faces head-on.

“It requires trust. These kids have been let down by all the adults in their lives who claimed to love them. It’s no wonder they’re a little crabby. We build relations with them. It is not the programs, it’s the people. It’s the no-matter-what-ness,” said Murphy, who describes her work with kids as a calling she has no plans to leave behind.

She will also be kept busy by her family, which includes her husband’s three children, her three children, two adopted children and nine grandchildren.

Casa Pacifica is well-equipped to face the future in Ventura County as it continues to support families in crisis, Murphy said.

“Casa Pacifica is very nimble for such a big organization. We’re able to keep pace with the counties and their needs as we learn how we can be of service. We’re the best provider for mental health services that I’ve experienced. And this is all due to the dedication and love of the people who work there.”

For information about Casa Pacifica and its programs, visit casapacifica.org.