TOWSON, MD—Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski has announced Heang Tan as his nominee for the next director of the Baltimore County Department of Aging. If confirmed, Tan will be the first Asian American woman to lead a Baltimore County department.

Tan’s 20 years of public service experience includes being deputy health commissioner for aging and care services at the Baltimore City Health Department.

“Ensuring that our older adults can age with dignity is a priority in Baltimore County, and we have a duty to select leaders who will enable our seniors to build connections, access care, and feel secure,” Olszewski said in a statement. “Heang has spent more than 20 years addressing critical challenges to vulnerable communities and older adults, and I am confident that under her leadership, Baltimore County can continue to invest in older adults, prioritize their quality of life, and deliver the world-class care they deserve.”

As deputy commissioner since 2016, Tan has led Baltimore City’s Area Agency on Aging within the BCHD. Her work includes developing citywide strategies to support aging communities, securing federal funding for expanded services, and modernizing Baltimore’s Aging and Disability Resource Center.

Prior to joining the Baltimore City government, Tan was the program director at the Society for New Communications Research, where she worked to advance health equity in Connecticut. She has also served as an associate director at Khmer Health Advocates, providing direct services to Cambodian refugees and trauma survivors.

Tan is currently the national first vice president for USAging, a national association representing and supporting Area Agencies on Aging.

“Older adults are invaluable assets to our community—caregivers, teachers, and leaders who give selflessly every day,” Tan said. “I am excited to join the Baltimore County team to continue advancing aging services. My commitment to aging services is deeply personal, and my experiences have profoundly shaped my perspective on aging and caregiving. I look forward to leveraging my personal and professional experience to ensure all of our residents can age with dignity, and access the support they need.”

The Baltimore County Department of Aging manages an $18.6 million budget, leads a team of nearly 200 employees, and oversees a network of facilities and programs serving senior residents of Baltimore County, who make up approximately 25 percent of the County’s population.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.