Community leaders gather in El Centro to honor retiring SDRC Executive Director Mark Klaus
EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) - Local leaders, advocates, and families gathered in El Centro on Tuesday to celebrate the retirement of Mark Klaus, the longtime Executive Director of the San Diego Regional Center (SDRC), honoring his remarkable 45-year career of service to the developmental disability community.
Klaus took the helm of the SDRC in November 2021, leading an organization that provides critical support services to 50,000 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the region, including 5,000 residents in Imperial County.
Reflecting on his decades of dedication, Klaus noted that the deep connections forged during his tenure are what he will value most.
He emphasized that he will deeply miss the diversity, the heart of the people, and the shared community commitment to making lives better.
"More rewarding than I could have ever expected," Klaus said of his career. "It's a teammate effort, it's not a Mark effort. I can have an idea. I can have thoughts. I really don’t believe in the word vision, but our staff is the one that carry that out. They're an integral part of the community."
The retirement celebration featured a massive turnout from regional dignitaries who gathered to present awards, certificates, and official proclamations recognizing Klaus' career achievements.
High-profile attendees included representatives from the City of El Centro, Imperial County, and the County Sheriff’s Department.
Staff members from the offices of California State Senator Steve Padilla and Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez were also on hand to deliver formal legislative honors.
SDRC plays a vital role in the Imperial Valley, helping children, adults, and families navigate developmental challenges to achieve independent and fulfilling lives.
While Klaus prepares for his next chapter, community leaders emphasized that his legacy of advocacy and collaborative leadership leaves a lasting footprint across Southern California.
