Associate Director (AD) Bryan Phillips received the Custody Medical Liaison Award during a recent health care conference.
The award was presented during the 2025 Western American Correctional Healthcare Association conference held Oct. 23.
“This award recognizes custody staff who exemplify exceptional leadership and responsiveness in addressing incarcerated population health needs,” the association stated. “Nominees demonstrate consistent and sustained measures – through actions or policy – to enhance the health, safety, and well-being of the incarcerated population and their peers. Their exemplary behavior sets a standard for improving facility operations and fostering a culture of care and collaboration.”
The association recognized the degree of communication, commitment, patience, and dedication required to create cultural change. This is especially true in a department as large as CDCR and CCHCS.
“AD Phillips embodies these attributes and is deserving of this recognition. Hence, without hesitation, he was nominated for his contribution to the Peer Support Specialists Program,” according to the association.
Reasons for the recognition
The nomination included the following information:
His ability to negotiate buy-in from union representatives—highlighting how the program restores meaning and value in staff work—was key to the program’s successful rollout. Bryan did not see obstacles as reasons to halt progress. Instead, he consistently collaborated with the Regional Associate Directors and local wardens to promote the program at all facilities. (This) led the rapid implementation of 25 active sites out of 31 in less than two years.
When met with skepticism from frontline staff and leadership, concerned the program might increase contraband risks or disrupt movement, Bryan became the program’s most vocal advocate. He reframed the initiative as a culture-change opportunity that would enhance, not hinder, facility operations and morale. His efforts resulted in the full integration of (incarcerated) peer support workers across all custody levels, creating new pathways for healing, leadership, and rehabilitation.
As a result of his contribution, partnership and leadership, the program has trained almost 900 incarcerated individuals and about 340 are now certified as California Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists. (This is) a skill set that supports the vision and mission of the department beyond incarceration.
Submitted by acting Capt. Ruben S. Jauregui
CDCR Division of Adult Institutions
Information supplied by Affie Tamuno-Koko, Chief Nurse Executive
CCHCS Nursing Services, Headquarters Elk Grove
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