The Board of the Center for Independent Living in Berkeley announces that, as of November 21, 2022, it has parted company with Executive Director Ted Jackson. Our skilled and conscientious staff continues to provide advocacy and services to the community.  The process of selecting a successor is already under way. There is no change in our mission, our philosophy or our services, and our staff and program leaders have the full support of the board. 

We have arranged for Independent Living veteran Robert Hand to provide administrative guidance during this interim period to  assure a seamless continuity of services. Hand previously served CIL as our Transitional Administrator, and we are grateful to him for his willingness to again provide his expert guidance on short notice.

During our leadership transition, Zayda Ortiz, our Program Director, will represent the Center in relations with the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers and other affiliates. 

We will continue to confer with our partners, donors, staff and other interested parties as we take the time needed for due diligence in selecting a new executive director. That process has already begun. We are grateful to our staff and to the community we serve for their patience, and we repeat that, thanks to our dedicated staff, we anticipate no diminution of services or advocacy during this period. 

The Center for Independent Living has a proud 50-year history of providing services by and to the disabled community and advocacy to increase awareness, collaboration and opportunity among people with disabilities and the community at large. 

Joshua A. Halstead

Caleb van Docto

Co-Chairs of the Board of Directors

Board@centerforindependentliving.org