ANNAPOLIS, MD—Dr. Meena Seshamani, an accomplished strategic leader with a deep understanding of health care policy and operations, has been appointed as the next Maryland Department of Health secretary.

Governor Wes Moore announced the appointment this week and Dr. Seshamani is expected to begin her new role April 8, pending Maryland Senate confirmation.

“Dr. Meena Seshamani is among the nation’s top health leaders — with an extraordinary career spanning expertise in public service, medical practice, economics, academia, and advocacy,” Moore said in a statement. “She has made our nation’s health care system fairer, more affordable, and more accessible to all — including our most vulnerable, from families in poverty to communities with disabilities. We thank her for raising her hand to serve in this new role.”

Seshamani most recently served as deputy administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, where she led the Medicare program and stood up the historic Medicare Drug Price Negotiation program. She also played a key role in transforming Medicare to provide more holistic care and enhanced support for people with disabilities.

She will succeed Dr. Laura Herrera Scott, who is leaving the position Feb. 28. Maryland Department of Health Deputy Secretary for Health Care Financing Ryan B. Moran, Dr. P.H., will serve as acting secretary during the transition.

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