Eli Gelardin

Gelardin has over 21 years of experience working in the field of disability rights, driving advancements in accessibility, equity, and inclusion for people with disabilities of all ages and backgrounds. As CEO of the Marin Center for Independent Living (Marin CIL), Gelardin tripled the size of the organization and expanded its service to over 2,000 individuals with disabilities a year across four Bay Area counties. In partnership with Marin County’s Aging and Adult Services, he co-led Marin County’s effort to establish Marin’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection, the sixth such coordination hub in the state that supports older adults and individuals with disabilities to age in place safely, access long-term services, and maintain their independence. Known as One Door, the Aging and Disability Resource Connection advances the state’s “one door” vision to provide single points of entry into a variety of long-term services. He also co-founded Marin’s Aging and Disability Institute, a one-stop physical campus dedicated to service coordination and advocacy for older adults, people with disabilities, and their family members and caregivers.  

In August 2024, Gelardin was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom to serve on the California State Rehabilitation Council and advise the California Department of Rehabilitation on employment and independent living programs for people with disabilities. Gelardin previously served as Chair of the California State Independent Living Council and as a board member for the World Institute on Disability.