2024 Year in Review from Board President Mark Stanton

MARC is in its 58th year of providing services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Keys.

The year began with Executive Director Diana Flenard informing the Board of Directors of her intent to retire in 2024.  Diana began her career at MARC on January 30, 1984, making 2024 her 40th anniversary at MARC.  15 years later, on January 5, 1999 she was named Executive Director and has successfully led this great organization for 25 years.

The Board of Directors then begin the difficult task of finding a replacement for the person that has led MARC for so many years.  Diana is MARC, so whoever the Board chooses will have some really big shoes to fill.

After an extensive search by members of the Executive Committee the decision was made to hire Clint Bower.  Clint has been working in the Developmental and Intellectually Disability field in Florida since 1990, and in leadership roles since 1995 in South Florida.  Clint had relocated to Northern California in 2021 to run an agency similar in size to MARC.  Clint was familiar with MARC through his professional relationship due to being members of the statewide provider organization, Florida ARF.  Overall, Clint has over 45-years of experience in the field, having spent from 1980 to 1990 working in his home state of Michigan.

The Board looks forward to working with Clint to continue the great work done by all people affiliated with MARC.

As President of the MARC Board of Directors in 2024 I witnessed another year filled with hard work and dedication from all the Direct Support Professionals, the administrative staff and of course the staff in the plant store.

As President of the Board it provides me great satisfaction knowing that MARC continues to be a vital member of the Keys community.

The people served at MARC and those that serve them, have always felt like a big family.  When we encounter those served by MARC in the Keys community, whether they are working, participating in Dance Projects, or just being part of the community, they are as happy to see us as we are to see them.

The people served by MARC are our neighbors and friends, and help make the Keys the best place to be.