Omar Passons is the Director of the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency’s Division of Integrative Services. In that capacity, he leads a team to align critical services and supports offered by the County to best improve the lives of people in need – focused on homelessness, economic inclusion and health and justice. This work requires leveraging leadership both to help his team and through supportive partnership with government and community leaders from a range of backgrounds. He is passionate about cultivating a Strengths-based leadership approach that recognizes the unique talents people bring to their roles and the importance of shaping well-rounded teams.  Omar is a former construction and land use attorney who has worked to elevate inclusive workforce and economic development in San Diego for several years.

Omar has served on the San Diego Workforce Development Board and the Board of CDC Small Business Finance and is a long-time partner with the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation on issues of economic inclusion in San Diego County.  Omar currently serves as the Chair of ULI San Diego/Tijuana’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.

Omar grew up in San Diego County’s foster care system and brings a unique perspective to the work of elevating the needs of young people and their families. He is a past-President of the Earl B. Gilliam Bar Association, a member of the Truman National Security Project, and a frequent guest columnist in the San Diego Union Tribune. Omar received his undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Arizona and his law degree from George Mason University School of Law. He is a civic leader on issues impacting economic equity, youth homelessness, and creating opportunities for all members of the community to lead lives of dignity.