San Francisco's leadership on disability rights takes a notable step forward with Mayor London Breed and City Administrator Carmen Chu's recent announcement. Eli Gelardin has been appointed Director of the Mayor's Office on Disability, taking the helm from January 6, 2025. Gelardin, who carries a rich history of advocacy and service from his 17 years as CEO of the Marin Center for Independent Living and co-founding the Marin Aging and Disability Institute, was appointed following a comprehensive search.
"Eli Gelardin's longstanding commitment to supporting rights of people with disabilities as well as his strong ties to the community make Eli an excellent addition to lead the Mayor's Office on Disability," Mayor Breed stated, as per the City and County of San Francisco. City Administrator Carmen Chu also supported Eli’s record of advancing disability rights through partnerships with government and community sectors.
With over two decades of experience dedicated to the disability community, Gelardin's track record demonstrates proactive and compassionate leadership. At the Marin Center for Independent Living, his leadership was instrumental in expanding services to thousands of individuals with disabilities. His co-led efforts in establishing Marin's Aging and Disability Resource Connection align with the state's vision for streamlined access to long-term services.
Reactions to his appointment have been positive, indicating a shared enthusiasm for Gelardin's expertise and leadership. Kelly Dearman, Executive Director of the Department of Disability and Aging Services, said, as cited by the City and County of San Francisco, "Eli brings a wealth of experience in disability rights and we look forward to his leadership in carrying out the Mayor’s Office on Disability’s critically important work of ensuring accessibility across city services." Sheri Albers, Co-Chair of the Mayor’s Disability Council, also expressed anticipation for collaboration with Gelardin to enhance the city's inclusivity for people with disabilities.
