GB Magazine November 2022 | Page 78

Perfil

Mark Klaus

CULTIVATING RELATIONSHIPS WITH COMMUNITIES IN NEED BY : NICHOLE NAOUM

Effective leadership

is crucial to the quality of care people with disabilities and their families receive . When it comes to the San Diego Regional Center ( SDRC ), CEO Mark Kraus is not only a leader in his own right but has also invested in his staff by encouraging them to hone their skills and build trust with the people they serve .
What does your role as CEO of the San Diego Regional Center entail ?
As Executive Director of the SDRC , I oversee the programs , services and community-based providers who support more than 37,000 people with developmental and intellectual disabilities in San Diego and Imperial Counties . I work closely with state legislators on policies and procedures to improve funding for our programs . I also collaborate with community leaders and other regional centers to address the unmet needs and underserved community members with special needs .
How would you describe the San Diego Regional Center ’ s mission ?
Our mission is to serve and empower people with developmental disabilities and their families to achieve their goals with community partners . We strive to enhance the quality of the individuals ’ daily living experiences by providing services that offer activities that are meaningful to them . We understand the disparities in service among ethnic groups and continually seek strategies to address them .
78 GBSAN . COM | NOVEMBER 2022