Maryland environment secretary to step down, in latest shakeup to Moore’s Cabinet

Serena McIlwain, who has led Gov. Wes Moore’s (D) environmental department since shortly after his inauguration in 2023, will step down at the end of this year, she announced Thursday.

McIlwain, who came to the department from the California Environmental Protection Agency, said in an email to staff on Thursday morning that she would be resigning “after 38 rewarding years in public service and four incredible years serving as your Secretary.”

“When I returned home to Maryland to lead this agency, my priority was to support and empower the dedicated professionals who protect our state’s air, land, and water every single day. Thanks to your tireless efforts, we have accomplished extraordinary things,” McIlwain wrote.

Lee, Scruggs, Rothstein depart Moore’s Cabinet

Deputy Secretary Adam Ortiz will step in as acting secretary on Jan. 1, McIlwain said in her email. Ortiz previously served as a regional administrator for President Joe Biden’s (D) Environmental Protection Agency, overseeing the regional office for Maryland and four other states, plus the District of Columbia.

Also departing is Secretary of Emergency Management Russell Strickland, who will retire on Dec. 8. Moore announced he will appoint Montgomery County Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Earl Stoddard to serve as acting secretary, beginning Dec. 9.

Since winning a second term on Nov. 3, Moore has announced a new chief of staff as well as other changes to his Cabinet: Last week, the secretaries of State, Veterans and Military Affairs, and Public Safety and Correctional Services all cleaned out their desks and were replaced immediately by interim directors.

Additional changes are expected before the General Assembly reconvenes and Moore is sworn in for a second term in January. Such changes are not uncommon.

— This story will be updated.