Desert Arc Announces Retirement of President/CEO Richard Balocco
The board of directors of Desert Arc have shared the news that Richard Balocco, the organization’s president/CEO, plans to retire on January 31, 2025.
“For the past 17 years, Richard has guided our nonprofit, human social services organization and stewarded our mission to enhance the quality of life and create opportunities for people with disabilities,” said Damian Jenkins, chair of the board of directors.
Founded in 1959, Desert Arc now serves nearly 700 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout the desert communities of the Coachella Valley, Morongo Basin and Palo Verde Valley. “We are who we are today because of Richard, and we owe him a debt of gratitude,” Jenkins said.
In 2007, upon his retirement from an executive position in Silicon Valley, Balocco was recruited by Desert Arc for a short-term assignment to work on a financial restructuring plan. Three months later, he officially took the helm as president/CEO. He successfully implemented a financial plan to rescue a then-struggling agency, and transformed Desert Arc by creating value rooted in the community. To this end, he transitioned the organization from a membership-based to a community-based structure and simultaneously changed the name.
During his tenure, Balocco’s vision and belief in social innovation led Desert Arc to the development of its Business Services Divisions, micro-enterprises providing on-the-job training and gainful employment for Desert Arc’s clients—people with disabilities served by its mission). Today, these flourishing Business Services encompass shredding and recycling, janitorial, landscape maintenance, and fulfillment crews working within the community. These, in tandem with other impactful programs, have put a face on Desert Arc in the community and elevated the Desert Arc brand.
Desert Arc’s board of directors will be initiating a comprehensive process to select a new president/CEO in the months ahead. Plans are under way to celebrate Balocco’s myriad contributions at the upcoming Seventh Annual Desert Arc “Champions of Change” Recognition Awards Luncheon on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa in Rancho Mirage.
“Everyone is duly grateful for Richard’s unwavering commitment to Desert Arc’s cause, and for making a meaningful difference in the lives of people with disabilities,” Jenkins said.
For general information on Desert Arc, please call 760-346-1611. For information on Desert Arc’s Business Services, call 760-404-1370. For information on Desert Arc’s fundraising events, please call 760-404-1368, or visit www.desertarc.org.