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Serena McIlwain, Secretary
Serena McIlwain serves as the 11th Secretary of the Maryland Department of the Environment. She previously was Under Secretary of California’s Environmental Protection Agency and held senior executive roles in multiple federal agencies, including the U.S. EPA. A Washington, D.C. native, McIlwain has led efforts in climate action, environmental justice, and Chesapeake Bay protection. Her leadership focuses on sustainability, equity, and organizational excellence to strengthen Maryland’s environmental policies and programs. Email: MDE.Secretary@maryland.gov, Request a meeting or speaking event
Phone: 410-537-3893
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Suzanne Dorsey, Deputy Secretary
Suzanne Dorsey was appointed Deputy Secretary of the Environment in June 2022 after serving three years as an assistant secretary. Prior to that, she was executive director of the Harry R. Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology at the University of Maryland and also executive director of the Bald Head Island Conservancy and Smith Island Land Trust. Dorsey is a former commissioner of the North Carolina Division of Coastal Management and a professor at University of North Carolina at Wilmington and Salem College.
Email: suzanne.dorsey1@maryland.gov
Phone: 410-537-3471 |
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Adam Ortiz, Deputy Secretary
Ortiz joins the department after an impactful tenure as Regional Administrator at the EPA’s Mid-Atlantic Office. Known for his innovative leadership, he spearheaded environmental justice initiatives, forged groundbreaking partnerships and the effort leading to the highest Chesapeake Bay health grade in decades. He also served as a former director of the Montgomery County and Prince George’s County departments of environmental protection, and Mayor of Edmonston.
Email: adam.ortiz@maryland.gov
Phone: 410-537-3471 |
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Aneca Atkinson, Assistant Secretary for Environmental Justice
Aneca Atkinson was appointed Assistant Secretary of Environmental Justice in January 2024. She joined the team from the National Audubon Society Mid-Atlantic, where she served as director of the organization’s Delaware River Watershed Program. Prior to that, Atkinson served in several roles with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, including Deputy Secretary for the Office of Water Programs and director of the Office of Program Integration.
Email: ej.mde@maryland.gov
Phone: 410-537-3084
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Zachary Schafer, Assistant Secretary for Policy
Zachary Schafer was appointed Assistant Secretary for Policy in January 2025. He brings over 15 years of policy expertise, most recently serving as Director for Policy and Special Projects at the U.S. EPA’s Office of Water. He played a pivotal role in shaping and implementing water infrastructure policies under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, driving important investments in climate resilience and environmental protection. He served as CEO and Co-Founder of the advocacy nonprofit United for Infrastructure for a decade. Schafer has a master's degree and bachelor's degree from the University of Delaware.
Email: zachary.schafer@maryland.gov
Phone: 410-537-3084 |
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Scott Goldman, Chief of StaffScott Goldman was appointed Chief of Staff in 2023. He previously served five years on active duty with the U.S. Army, including a deployment in Afghanistan from 2013-14. Prior to joining the department, Goldman was executive director of The 6th Branch, a veteran-led environmental and neighborhood nonprofit. He has more than a decade of experience as an attorney in federal practice as a U.S. Army Judge Advocate and proudly continues his service as an officer in the U.S. Army Reserve today.
Email: scott.goldman@maryland.gov
Phone: 410-537-3537
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Dr. Rachel Lamb, Senior Climate Advisor to the SecretaryRachel Lamb serves as Senior Climate Advisor to the Secretary at the Maryland Department of the Environment. She has more than a decade of experience integrating science and policy to advance climate solutions, including work with the U.S. EPA, NASA, and Maryland Sea Grant. Dr. Lamb has bachelor's degrees in environmental science and international relations from Wheaton College and master’s degrees in public policy and conservation biology and sustainable development from the University of Maryland, College Park, as well as a doctorate in geographical sciences.
Email: rachel.lamb@maryland.gov Phone: 410-537-3616
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Cia Cook, Director of Business Administration
Cia Cook is the Director of Business Administration with expertise in financial management and government operations. She previously served as the Deputy Executive Director and CFO at the Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis. She also held leadership roles in the local and federal governments as well as the private sector. Her experience in accounting, auditing and budgeting supports effective fiscal oversight. She holds a master’s degree in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Maryland.
Email: cia.cook@maryland.gov
Phone: 410-537-3138 |
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Dave Abrams, Director of Communications
Dave Abrams was appointed Director of Communications in June 2023. He is a communications leader with extensive experience in public relations and marketing, advising multiple Anne Arundel County executives and serving in key roles at the Maryland Department of Transportation and the Governor’s Office. Before entering government, Abrams worked as a print reporter and later as a media and marketing consultant. Abrams has a master’s degree in journalism and a bachelor’s degree in English literature from the University of Maryland, College Park.
Email: dave.abrams1@maryland.gov
Phone: 410-537-3084
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Jeremy Baker, Director of Government Relations
Jeremy Baker was appointed as Director of Government Relations in December 2024, bringing a wealth of experience in policy analysis, legislative strategy, and environmental advocacy. A native of Frederick, Baker earned his law degree from the University of Maryland. Before stepping into his current role, he served as a senior policy analyst for the Maryland Department of Legislative Services and later lead counsel for the Baltimore City delegation. He previously held roles with the Maryland League of Conservation Voters and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
Email: jeremy.baker@maryland.gov
Phone: 410-537-3165
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