Moore Replaces Three Cabinet Secretaries After Second Term Victory

Gov. Wes Moore has replaced three cabinet secretaries in the final weeks of his first term. The Democratic governor announced the departures on Friday, a day after naming a new chief of staff and three days after securing his second term in the general election.

The administration is restructuring key departments ahead of the January inauguration. The changes affect the offices of the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services, and the Secretary of Veterans and Military Affairs. Interim leaders assumed control of all three departments immediately upon the announcement.

Moore thanked the outgoing officials in a statement, noting they provided decades of service during challenging periods. He said the state benefited from their expertise and leadership. The governor acknowledged their decision to step down as the administration transitions into its second phase.

Carolyn Scruggs, who led Public Safety and Correctional Services since January 2023, is the first Black woman to hold that post. Her tenure coincided with persistent criticism regarding staffing shortages in the state prison system. During her time in office, 22 deaths in state custody were classified as homicides between 2024 and 2025.

Labor unions represented by Jack Hughes, president of Maryland Council 3 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, described the leadership change as long overdue. Hughes stated that the agency needs a massive influx of resources and new direction across all facets, including Parole and Probation and the Division of Corrections. He cited legislative hearings and joint staffing analyses that showed the department lacked necessary personnel.

David C. Greene, a Deputy Secretary of Operations with more than 20 years of service, now serves as interim secretary for Public Safety and Correctional Services. He will hold the position until Moore names a permanent successor.

Susan Lee, 72, is leaving the role of Secretary of State for personal matters. Moore appointed her shortly after his initial swearing-in. Before joining the cabinet, Lee served in the Maryland House of Delegates from 2002 to 2015 and in the Senate until January 2023. She took a leave of absence two years ago to focus on a personal health matter.

Michael Lore, an attorney and former Deputy Secretary of State, will act as the interim Secretary of State. Lore previously served as chief of staff to Lee during her Senate career. He also worked for Sen. Norman Stone and as a speech writer for Rep. Jamie Raskin.

Ed Rothstein, a Republican and former Carroll County commissioner, is exiting the Veterans and Military Affairs post after 15 months. Rothstein served in the military for more than three decades, including roles as an intelligence officer and garrison commander at Fort Meade. He resigned his county commission seat to join the Moore administration.

James Anderson, the Deputy Secretary, became the acting Secretary of Veterans and Military Families effective November 6. These cabinet moves follow the replacement of Lester Davis, who left as chief of staff to become interim CEO of the Maryland Technology Development Corp. Emmanuel Welsh, the former principal deputy chief of staff, replaced Davis in that role.