I am President and CEO of Serving Seniors in San Diego and guide the agency’s innovative efforts to provide supportive services focused on keeping low-income seniors healthy and independent.
Since my appointment in 1995, Serving Seniors has developed a nationally recognized model of support for low-income and homeless older adults, including:
• Daily meal service 365 days per year with 1.5 million nutritious congregate and home delivered meals served annually
• Case management, social activities, and civic engagement
• Health care, mental health care, and dental care (through collaborative partner)
I initiated and led the 2021 Serving Seniors Needs Assessment report, a groundbreaking study focusing on older adult homeless in San Diego. Its findings and proposed solutions are now routinely cited, driving community conversation and public policy with a new recognition of the realities of aging and poverty.
My current community leadership roles include :
• Co-chair, County of San Diego’s Elder Protection Council
• Continuum of Care Board, Regional Task Force on the Homelessness
• Chairman, Aging and Homelessness Committee, Regional Task Force on the Homelessness
I previously served as chairman of the California Commission on Aging; National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs; and Dean’s Advisory Board, San Diego State University College of Health and Human Services. He is a past board member for the American Society on Aging.
Serving Seniors owns and operates 529 units of affordable senior housing with support services. The agency’s newest housing community, Harris Family Senior Residence, opened in late 2022 and has 117 affordable apartments in City Heights. Serving Seniors will break ground on the first phase of a 179-unit community with full-service senior center in Clairemont in summer 2023.
I hold a bachelor’s degree in journalism from San Diego State University and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Harvard Business School. I am a former broadcast journalist and political press secretary for the Mayor of San Diego.
About Paul Downey
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am married to former San Diego Union-Tribune columnist Mary Curran-Downey. We have a son who lives in Idaho with his fiancée and her son.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I love making a profound, positive, impact on seniors’ lives.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Make bold choices, never compromise your values, and always act with honesty and integrity.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Retired from Serving Seniors, but continuing to work with non-profits to develop leadership and strategic skills.
Paul Downey & Our Community
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Farm to Table in La Mesa, Brigantine in La Mesa, Press Box in Rancho San Diego, Casa Blanca in La Mesa
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
More than four decades.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
While working at City Hall, I had the chance to spend time with Ted Williams during the dedication of Ted Williams Parkway in the Rancho Penasquitos/Poway area. He shared batting tips.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Serving Seniors.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Within 20 minutes I can be at the beach, in 30 minutes I can be in Mexico, in 45 minutes I can be in the mountains, and in 90 minutes in the desert.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Mel Brooks because he is one of the funniest guys around. We’d get some take-out sandwiches and find a bench overlooking La Jolla Cove.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Field of Dreams. MASH
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I have directed an academy award-winning actress in a TV Commercial. It was Mercedes McCambridge (best supporting actress in All the Kings Men) for a spot promoting the Soviet Arts Festival in 1989.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My wife and son.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
All of the seniors who we help at Serving Seniors.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Love, Commitment, Happiness
