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Executive Leadership

Our executive leadership team is committed to organizational excellence and fostering a clean environment that is healthy, vibrant and green.

	Serena McIlwain, Secretary Secretary Serena McIlwain is the 11th Secretary of the Maryland Department of the Environment, confirmed in March 2023. She leads Maryland’s efforts to protect public health, advance climate action, and safeguard natural resources. Secretary McIlwain brings more than 30 years of federal, state, and legislative experience, spanning large-scale operations and environmental and energy policy. Before joining Maryland, she served as Undersecretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency and held senior leadership roles at the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other Executive Branch Agencies. Her priorities include meeting Maryland’s ambitious climate goals, addressing systemic environmental injustices, restoring the Chesapeake Bay, and building a high-performing, accountable public agency. Email: [email protected], Request a meeting or speaking event Phone: 410-537-3893
	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: [email protected] Phone: 410-537-3471
	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: [email protected] Phone: 410-537-3471
	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: [email protected] Phone: 410-537-3084
	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: [email protected] Phone: 410-537-3084
	Scott Goldman, Chief of Staff Scott 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: [email protected] Phone: 410-537-3537
	Dr. Rachel Lamb, Assistant Secretary for Climate Policy and International Affairs Rachel Lamb serves as Assistant Secretary for Climate Policy and International Affairs 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: [email protected] Phone: 410-537-3616
	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: [email protected] Phone: 410-537-3138
	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: [email protected] Phone: 410-537-3084
	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: [email protected] Phone: 410-537-3165


	Chris Hoagland, Director of Air and Radiation Administration Chris Hoagland has extensive experience in air quality and climate policy, serving as Director of the Air and Radiation Administration at the Maryland Department of the Environment. He previously led Maryland’s Climate Change Program, overseeing greenhouse gas regulations and supporting the Maryland Commission on Climate Change. Hoagland has also worked in climate policy roles at the U.S. General Services Administration, EPA, and Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. His leadership in air pollution control and environmental policy strengthens Maryland’s efforts to reduce emissions and improve air quality. Email: [email protected] Phone: 410-537-3201
	Lee Currey, Director of Water Services Administration Lee Currey has over 30 years of experience in water resources management, engineering, and policy, including the past 24 years at the Maryland Department of the Environment. As Director of the Water and Science Administration, he leads the state’s implementation of the Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and key environmental protection laws. Currey has played a pivotal role in advancing water quality initiatives, infrastructure resilience, and water regulatory policy. His leadership strengthen Maryland’s efforts to safeguard public health, protect ecosystems, and enhance climate resilience. Email: [email protected] Phone: 410-537-3567
	Rick Kessler, Director of Land Administration Rick Kessler has over 35 years of experience in energy and environmental policy, including senior roles at the U.S. EPA and U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee. He played a key role in drafting the Inflation Reduction Act and Lautenberg Chemical Safety Act. His expertise in legislative processes and strategic leadership supports efforts in land and materials management. Kessler has a bachelor's degree in International Studies from Kenyon College and is a graduate of the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University. Email: [email protected] Phone: 410-537-3381
	Geoffrey Donahue, Director of Emergency Prepardness and Response Geoffrey Donahue is Director of MDE’s Office of Emergency Preparedness & Response, with nearly 35 years of experience in hazardous materials and emergency response. He previously served over 12 years as Division Chief and also teaches firefighting, haz-mat, and rescue courses as an Adjunct Instructor for the University of Maryland’s Fire & Rescue Institute. Donahue holds a B.A. in Business Management from Washington College and an M.B.A. in Management from Loyola University Maryland. Email: [email protected]