Maryland Gov Moore appoints Rothstein veterans secretary pending Senate confirmation

Maryland Governor Wes Moore has appointed retired Army Colonel Ed Rothstein, a Republican Carroll County commissioner and former Fort Meade garrison commander, as the new Secretary of the Department of Veterans and Military Families, effective August 1, 2025. Rothstein brings over 30 years of military experience, including leadership roles supporting more than 227,000 personnel, and has also served in economic development and local government, advocating for veteran and military family issues. He succeeds Anthony C. "Tony" Woods, who left the post in May to join a technology startup. Governor Moore praised Rothstein's dedication to public service and commitment to building a safer and more competitive Maryland. Rothstein will vacate his commissioner seat, with the Republican central committee tasked with recommending a replacement subject to state Senate confirmation. His appointment marks part of a broader turnover in Moore’s Cabinet, which has seen several secretaries depart in recent months.