Maryland's DHS Secretary Resigns Over Health Issues

Rafael López steps down from his post effective Feb. 23 due to health reasons, the Moore administration announced.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Rafael López, the secretary of Maryland's Department of Human Services since 2023, is resigning from his position effective February 23 due to health issues, according to a statement from the office of Governor Wes Moore. Deputy Secretary Gloria Brown Burnett will serve as interim secretary until April 1, when Baltimore County Administrative Officer Stacy Rodgers will hold the post until a permanent replacement is selected.

Why it matters

López's resignation comes at a challenging time for the Maryland DHS, which has faced scrutiny over issues highlighted in a recent 70-page audit, as well as the death of a 16-year-old foster child who was being housed in a Baltimore hotel. The transition in leadership raises questions about the department's ability to address these problems and continue initiatives started under López's tenure.

The details

During his time as secretary, López oversaw a decrease in payment errors for the state's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and investments in programs to end child poverty and hunger. However, his departure also comes amid criticism of the department's handling of foster care issues, including the practice of housing children in hotels.

  • Rafael López will step down as Maryland DHS secretary effective February 23, 2026.
  • Gloria Brown Burnett will serve as interim secretary until April 1, 2026.
  • Stacy Rodgers will hold the secretary position until a permanent replacement is selected.

The players

Rafael López

The outgoing secretary of Maryland's Department of Human Services, who is resigning due to health issues.

Wes Moore

The governor of Maryland, who confirmed López's resignation.

Gloria Brown Burnett

The deputy secretary of Maryland's Department of Human Services, who will serve as interim secretary until April 1.

Stacy Rodgers

The Baltimore County Administrative Officer, who will hold the secretary position until a permanent replacement is selected.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Though I am resigning my post as secretary for health-related reasons, I will always be invested in making sure that our people have access to the services and support they need to thrive.”

— Rafael López, Outgoing Secretary, Maryland Department of Human Services (Patch.com)

“He was not the agent of change the department needed to keep children safe.”

— Mike Griffith, Maryland Delegate (Maryland Matters)

What’s next

The Moore administration will begin the process of selecting a permanent replacement for the DHS secretary position, with Stacy Rodgers serving in the role on an interim basis until a new secretary is appointed.

The takeaway

The resignation of Maryland's DHS secretary highlights the ongoing challenges facing the department, including issues with foster care and the need for continued reforms. The transition in leadership raises questions about the department's ability to address these problems and build on the initiatives started under the previous secretary.