Hogan Names Lourdes Padilla as DHR Secretary, DoIT Secretary Resigns

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Maryland Governor Larry Hogan is appointing Lourdes Padilla as secretary of the Maryland Department of Human Resources (DHR), effective Feb. 8th.

“I am honored to join the Hogan-Rutherford administration and continue the tremendous work the department has done improving and reforming Maryland’s human services delivery system over the past two years,” said Padilla.

According to a news release from the governor’s office, Padilla has more than 28 years of experience in the human services field. She currently serves as the Deputy Secretary for Income Maintenance at the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, a role she is leaving to join the Hogan-Rutherford administration. At her current post, she oversees operations for five bureaus under the agency, including Child Support Enforcement, Program Support, and Program Evaluation. She manages over 90 field offices with over 7,000 employees, and is responsible for an operating budget of more than $2 billion.

Padilla replaces current Acting Secretary Gregory James, who will return to his prior role as Deputy Secretary for Programs. James became acting secretary in October following the departure of former Secretary Sam Malhotra to serve as the governor’s chief of staff.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Lourdes Padilla to our team, and I know she has the experience and skill set we need to ensure we are delivering at the highest level for the thousands of Marylanders that rely on the services our Department of Human Resources provides,” said Hogan. “I would also like to thank Greg James for his leadership of the department during this time of transition.”

On Monday, Hogan also announced the departure of Maryland Department of Information Technology (DoIT) Secretary David Garcia, who tendered his resignation in order to attend to family and personal issues. He will remain in his position through the end of January, during which time a search will be conducted for his replacement.

“It has been an honor and privilege to serve Governor Hogan and the State of Maryland in this important capacity,” said Garcia. “I know that I am leaving the state’s technology needs in good hands with my esteemed colleagues and terrific staff at the Department of Information Technology who will continue to Change Maryland for the Better.”

“I offer my deepest thanks to Secretary Garcia for his service to our administration and his work to keep our state’s IT infrastructure secure at this critical time,” said Hogan. “I wish him and his family all the best for the future.”

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