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August 1, 2024
To the Kern Regional Center Community,
Some of you may have already heard the news of upcoming changes here at our regional center.
On Tuesday evening, Governor Gavin Newsom’s office issued a press release announcing my appointment as the Chief Deputy Director of Programs at the Department of Developmental Services. While I am humbled and honored by the confidence and trust that the Administration has placed in me to take on this important role and its corresponding responsibilities, this is also a bittersweet farewell for me as I transition out of my role here at KRC.
For the past six years, it has been my privilege and honor to serve as your Executive Director. I appreciate the Board of Directors receiving my experience and trusting in my leadership of an agency that was in the midst of dynamic change. Together, the community and the team at KRC has worked tirelessly to rebuild and make our regional center a place where the people we serve and their families felt comfortable coming to receive support and services.
I want to thank the management team and the staff at KRC for their dedication, commitment and passion for the people we serve and helping them live their best lives. I also want to recognize the work and partnership of our incredible service providers who have focused on the people we serve and supporting them in the pursuit of their goals and dreams. In the midst of a worldwide pandemic that shifted the way we delivered services, we didn’t shy away from the challenge but met the moment head on. We are now on the other side and see all that was accomplished when we worked together towards the same goal with our persons’ we serve best interest in mind.
As I move into a different capacity in our system, I will always remember the people I had the pleasure of meeting and connecting with, the many lessons learned and how things are done here at KRC. In my role at DDS, my hope and desire is to continue working to ensure the people we serve at all 21 of our state’s regional centers can receive the support and access to services they need.
I know KRC will be in good hands with a Board of Directors that is committed to finding the best leader to take our regional center into its next phase of growth, change and transformation. I’m grateful to Enrique Roman who is currently our Director of Community Services and has agreed to provide a bridge and serve as KRC’s Interim Executive Director.
Thank you again for giving me the opportunity to learn from all of you and the privilege to lead an incredible regional center. I will always have a special place in my heart for our community.
Sincerely,
Michi Gates, Ph.D.