ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Governor Wes Moore swore in eight new executive leaders this week, each confirmed by the Maryland Senate during the 2025 legislative session, to helm critical roles in state government. The appointments, announced on April 7, 2025, bring expertise to tackle fiscal challenges and federal policy impacts, as the Moore-Miller Administration continues to diversify its ranks with over 3,400 appointees to state boards and commissions since taking office.
“Maryland is caught in two storms. We’re being tested by an historic fiscal challenge, and we’re being tested by leadership in Washington that continues to harm our people and our economy,” Moore said during the ceremony. “These new executive leaders have been hand-picked because they are up to the challenge.” He thanked the appointees for their willingness to serve, joined by Lt. Gov. Aruna K. Miller, senior administration officials, and the appointees’ families.
The new leaders include Dr. Meena Seshamani as Maryland Department of Health Secretary, a former Medicare director at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services with a background in surgery and health economics. Harry Coker, Jr., a retired CIA and NSA senior executive, takes over as Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary after serving as U.S. national cyber director from 2023 to 2025. Mollie Byron, previously the governor’s director of intergovernmental affairs, steps into the role of Maryland Secretary of Appointments.
Katrina Wiggins, with over 30 years in organizational management, assumes the Property Tax Assessment Appeals Boards Administrator position. Yvonne Briley-Wilson becomes Maryland’s first Correctional Ombudsman, bringing labor and legal expertise from roles like executive director of SEIU Local 500. Tabatha Robinson, acting director of the Maryland Cannabis Administration since February, joins permanently after shaping New York’s cannabis equity policies.
Shelly Martin, an assistant attorney general who recovered over $100 million in fraud cases, is now Inspector General for Health. Marie Grant, with nearly two decades in insurance and health policy, rounds out the group as Maryland Insurance Commissioner.
The administration highlights its diversity efforts, noting that over 50% of its appointees are women, 50% are people of color, and 29% are women of color, per state records. These leaders will address pressing issues, from health care access to economic development, amid a state budget shortfall and federal policy shifts noted in recent Maryland Department of Budget and Management reports.
The swearing-in underscores Moore’s focus on capable leadership. Each appointee brings a proven track record—Seshamani’s Medicare reforms, Coker’s national security tenure, and Martin’s fraud recoveries among them—positioning Maryland to navigate its dual crises with strategic resolve.
