Maryland DHS Secretary to Step Down, Governor Says

Rafael López cites health reasons for resignation, effective February 23rd

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Maryland's Department of Human Services Secretary Rafael López will step down as secretary effective February 23rd, the governor's office announced. López cited health reasons for his resignation, though the governor's office also cited agency accomplishments under his leadership, including increased kinship care placement of foster children, decreased SNAP payment error rates, and investments to address child poverty and hunger.

Why it matters

This resignation comes after López faced legislative scrutiny last year over serious problems at the agency, including housing children in unlicensed facilities like hotels. The departure also follows the June 2025 resignation of the secretary of the Department of Juvenile Services amid issues with juvenile crime and facility management.

The details

Deputy Secretary Gloria Brown Burnett will serve as interim secretary until April 1st, when former Baltimore County Administrative Officer Stacy Rodgers will begin as acting secretary until a permanent replacement is found. Governor Wes Moore praised López's leadership, especially during challenging times, and said they will continue to build upon the progress made.

  • On February 17, 2026, the governor's office announced López's resignation, effective February 23rd.
  • In October 2025, López testified before a legislative committee and acknowledged serious problems at the agency, including housing children in unlicensed facilities.
  • In June 2025, the secretary of the Department of Juvenile Services, Vincent Schiraldi, resigned amid issues with juvenile crime and facility management.

The players

Rafael López

The outgoing secretary of Maryland's Department of Human Services, who is resigning for health reasons.

Wes Moore

The Governor of Maryland, who praised López's leadership and said they will continue to build upon the progress made at the agency.

Gloria Brown Burnett

The deputy secretary who will serve as interim secretary until April 1st.

Stacy Rodgers

The former Baltimore County Administrative Officer who will serve as acting secretary starting April 1st until a permanent replacement is found.

Vincent Schiraldi

The former secretary of Maryland's Department of Juvenile Services, who resigned in June 2025 amid issues with juvenile crime and facility management.

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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 (Governor's Office)

“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.”

— Wes Moore, Governor of Maryland (Governor's Office)

What’s next

Deputy Secretary Gloria Brown Burnett will serve as interim secretary until April 1st, when former Baltimore County Administrative Officer Stacy Rodgers will begin as acting secretary until a permanent replacement is found.

The takeaway

This resignation highlights the ongoing challenges facing Maryland's Department of Human Services, which has faced scrutiny over issues like housing children in unlicensed facilities. The state will need to find a permanent replacement who can address these problems and continue building upon the progress made under the outgoing secretary.