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About the Maryland
Department of Human Services

We are Maryland's human services provider, proudly serving families since 1975. We are committed to unlocking opportunities for Maryland families while working toward a more equitable playing field for all.

We empower every Marylander to reach their full potential by providing preventative and supportive services, economic assistance, and meaningful connections to workforce development and career opportunities.

Marylanders are encouraged to apply for benefits at mymdthink.maryland.gov. Visit dhs.maryland.gov or call your local Department of Social Services for more information.

For constituent cases, email inquiries can be sent to DHS.GovernmentAffairs@maryland.gov.

Learn more about policy priorities Meet our Team

Our Services Include

Social Services Administration (SSA)

We provide critical services, including foster care, adoption, protective services, and Adult Services, to support the safety and well-being of children, families, and seniors.

Family Investment Administration (FIA)

We manage federally funded programs like Temporary Cash Assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), energy bill payment assistance (OHEP), and Medical Assistance (Medicaid) to ensure access to food, healthcare, and financial stability.

Child Support Administration (CSA)

We work to enhance family well-being by establishing paternity and ensuring children and families receive the financial support and services they need to thrive.

_{With 24 local departments serving Maryland’s counties and Baltimore City, we are committed to supporting families, fostering strong communities, and serving Marylanders.}

Our TEAM

Rafael López

Secretary

Rafael López leads the Maryland Department of Human Services. Appointed by Governor Wes Moore, Secretary López previously served as a Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, where he helped reunite over 170,000 unaccompanied children with their families during the largest surge in U.S. history. Previously, Secretary López held leadership roles at Accenture and the Annie E. Casey Foundation. He served as Commissioner of the Administration on Children, Youth and Families under President Obama and has held key roles in local, state, and federal government, including serving on the White House Domestic Policy Council.

López is an alumnus of Vassar College and a graduate of the University of California Santa Cruz where he earned his Bachelor of Arts with honors. He is a graduate of Harvard University’s Kennedy School where he earned a Master in Public Administration and was named a Lucius N. Littauer Fellow. López and his wife are the proud parents of two children.

Carnitra White

Principal Deputy Secretary

Carnitra White oversees our agency’s Social Services, Family Investment, and Child Support Administrations. Carnitra also serves as the primary contact for our local Departments of Social Services. A lifelong public servant and Casey Fellow, Carnitra began her career as a purchase-of-care worker at the Baltimore City DSS. She has served the State of Maryland and the Department of Human Services as the Anne Arundel DSS Director, former Acting Deputy Secretary, and former Executive Director of our Social Services Administration. Carnitra is a proud product of Baltimore City public schools and a hall of fame graduate of Baltimore City College.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland, Carnitra earned a Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland at Baltimore, School of Social Work.

Deputy Secretary of Operations Gloria Brown Burnett oversees our Administrative Operations, Procurement Division, and Office of Technology for Human Services (OTHS).

Gloria Brown Burnett

Deputy Secretary of Operations

Dan Wait leads efforts in team development, retention, and customer service innovation. Overseeing TEAMs, the Office of Learning, OEPE, and Constituent Services.

Daniel Wait

Deputy Secretary for Talent and Customer Service

Heather Zenone leads policy, government affairs, and grants teams, working collaboratively to advance legislative, regulatory, and funding strategies that improve outcomes for Marylanders.

Heather Zenone

Assistant Secretary for Policy

Rachel Sledge leads the effort to advance gubernatorial priorities and foster collaboration with the Maryland General Assembly. She previously served as Assistant Director of Government Affairs.

Rachel Sledge

Director of Government Affairs

Webster has extensive experience managing a myriad of public health services and leading organizations in a way that reflects the urgency and responsiveness we will model.

Webster Ye

Chief of Staff

Augustin leads the Family Investment Administration (FIA), bringing over 20 years of experience in supporting children and families. Under his leadership, FIA launched the SUN Bucks program, providing food assistance to over 586,000 children.

Augustin Ntabaganyimana

Executive Director of the Family Investment Administration (FIA)

Dr. Alger M. Studstill, Jr. leads the Social Services Administration (SSA). He brings extensive experience in child welfare and a commitment to public service to SSA’s operations and community-centered policies.

Dr. Alger M. Studstill, Jr.

Executive Director of the Social Services Administration (SSA)

Jarnice Y. Johnson serves as the Executive Director of the Child Support Administration (CSA), bringing over 37 years of experience dedicated to improving outcomes for Maryland families.

Jarnice Y. Johnson

Executive Director of the Child Support Administration (CSA)

25 South Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21201-3330

1-800-332-6347 | TTY 1-800-735-2258

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About the Maryland
Department of Human Services