Hand-Off at The Top

Jonathan Thomas takes oath of office. (left to right, Robert Klein, Thomas, Melissa King, executive
director of  CIRM board, James Harrison, outside board counsel)

It was a statement that could be taken in more ways than one.

It came from outgoing CIRM Chairman Robert Klein today as he swore in his successor, Jonathan Thomas, a Los Angeles bond financier.

Thomas read the prescribed oath for all state employees. Then Klein shook his hand and said,

"I congratulate you on a journey that you will never forget."

Klein said one reason he is leaving his post is to spend more time
 with his wife and family.
 (left to right, Klein and his wife, Danielle, and Thomas, following the swearing in.