Maryland DHS Secretary Rafael López Resigning

Cites health-related reasons for departure after controversy over foster child deaths

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Maryland Department of Human Services Secretary Rafael López is stepping down from his position effective February 23, citing health-related reasons. López's resignation comes amid controversy over the department's practices, including housing foster children in hotels and failures to provide proper supervision and services.

Why it matters

López's resignation highlights ongoing challenges within Maryland's social services system, particularly around the care and placement of foster children. The issues uncovered in a recent audit, including children being housed in unsafe conditions and without proper oversight, have raised concerns about accountability and the need for reform.

The details

According to the governor's office, López helped make progress on issues like increasing kinship care placements and reducing the state's SNAP payment error rate. However, he has also faced criticism following the death of a 16-year-old foster child who overdosed in a Baltimore hotel where she was being housed by the Department of Human Services. An audit found numerous other issues, including children being placed in homes with registered sex offenders and the department not keeping up with state mandates.

  • López will step down as secretary effective February 23, 2026.
  • Deputy Secretary Gloria Brown Burnett will serve as interim secretary until April 1, 2026.
  • Former Baltimore County Administrative Officer Stacy L. Rodgers will then serve as interim secretary until a new permanent secretary is found.

The players

Rafael López

The outgoing Secretary of the Maryland Department of Human Services, who is resigning for health-related reasons.

Gloria Brown Burnett

The Deputy Secretary of the Maryland Department of Human Services, who will serve as interim secretary until April 1, 2026.

Stacy L. Rodgers

The former Baltimore County Administrative Officer, who will serve as interim secretary of the Maryland Department of Human Services from April 1, 2026 until a new permanent secretary is found.

Kanaiyah Ward

A 16-year-old foster child who died after overdosing on Benadryl in a Baltimore hotel where she was being housed by the Department of Human Services.

Governor Moore

The governor of Maryland, who expressed gratitude for López's leadership and said the state will continue to build upon the progress made under his tenure.

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What they’re saying

“I will always be invested in making sure that our people have access to the services and support they need to thrive. It has been an honor to serve in the Moore-Miller Administration and I am immensely proud of the progress we have made in service to Marylanders.”

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

“I am grateful for Secretary López's leadership, especially during one of the most challenging times in the history of our state. Secretary López built a more solid foundation for service, and together we will continue to build upon that progress.”

— Governor Moore (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The governor's office stated that the transition of leadership will start with Deputy Secretary Gloria Brown Burnett as interim secretary until April 1, 2026, followed by former Baltimore County Administrative Officer Stacy L. Rodgers, until the search for a new permanent secretary is complete.

The takeaway

López's resignation highlights the ongoing challenges within Maryland's social services system, particularly around the care and placement of foster children. The issues uncovered in the recent audit, including children being housed in unsafe conditions and without proper oversight, have raised concerns about accountability and the need for reform within the Department of Human Services.