leading the veterans agency

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) has tapped a Republican Carroll County commissioner and former Fort Meade commander to be the next head of the Department of Veterans and Military Families.

Ed Rothstein takes over as secretary on Aug. 1 from Acting Secretary Ross Cohen, who has been serving since the May departure of former Secretary Anthony C. “Tony” Woods.

Moore said in statement announcing the appiontment that Rothstein “has dedicated his career to serving this country and the people of Maryland,” and that he was honored Rothstein stepped forward to be the next secretary of Veterans and Military Families.

“Ed’s track record as a distinguished Army veteran and a devoted public servant demonstrates his commitment to live mission first, people always. During this next critical phase of our work, he will help lead our efforts to build a state that is safer, more affordable, more competitive – and one that leaves no one behind.”

Moore also thanked Cohen for stepping up to serve as acting secretary during the interim. Cohen is expected to return to his previous role as deputy secretary once Rothstein comes on board, Moore said.

Rothstein’s appointment drew praise from local and federal officials.

“He is a mission-driven strong leader who puts people first over bureaucracy,” former U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D) said in a statement. “Having served in the military for over 30 years, he knows military life and its impact on families. In my experience he knows how to make the policy and projects to ensure our military and veterans have what they need to lead their best lives.”

In addition to his assignment as a military intelligence officer, Rothstein served two years as garrison commander at Fort Meade.

“Ed Rothstein’s background to include his service to both this nation and Maryland make him the quintessential secretary to lead DVMF forward, serving Maryland veterans and families,” Del. Mike Rogers (D-Anne Arundel) said in a statement.

Following his departure from the military, Rothstein was president and CEO of the Anne Arundel County Economic Development Corporation. Later he was the executive director of the BWI Partnership.

Rothstein was elected to the Carroll County Board of Commissioners in 2018 and re-elected in 2022.

Carroll County Administrator Roberta Windham praised the appointment in a statement.

“His dedication to veterans and his passion for service is evident in everything he does. Carroll County’s Commissioners and I wish him all the best in his new role,” Windham said.

If confirmed by the Senate next year, Rothstein would become Moore’s second secretary for the agency, after Woods, who left the job in May to take a position with a private-sector technology startup.