ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Wes Moore announced this week the appointment of Ed Rothstein as the new Secretary of the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families, effective Aug. 1. Rothstein, a retired Army colonel and current Carroll County commissioner, will lead the department responsible for supporting the state’s veteran and military communities.
Ross Cohen, who has served as interim acting secretary, will continue in his role as deputy secretary.
“Ed Rothstein has dedicated his career to serving this country and the people of Maryland,” Moore said in a statement. “I am honored that he has raised his hands once again to serve the state as Maryland’s next secretary of the Department of Veterans and Military Families.”
Moore praised Rothstein’s commitment to public service, stating that his “track record as a distinguished Army veteran and a devoted public servant demonstrates his commitment to live mission first, people always.” The governor added that Rothstein will help lead efforts to build a state that is “safer, more affordable, more competitive – and one that leaves no one behind.”
Rothstein’s extensive career includes 30 years in the U.S. Army, with numerous deployments and duty stations. His last military assignment was as garrison commander at Fort Meade, where he supported more than 227,000 personnel across five states. After his military service, Rothstein worked as Anne Arundel County’s economic developer and founded ERA Advisory LLC, a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business.
Before his current term as a Carroll County commissioner, Rothstein was the executive director of the BWI Business Partnership, focusing on regional transportation and development. He has also served on several non-profit boards, including the Carroll County Veterans Advisory Council.
“Our veterans and military families have carried a tremendous burden. Uplifting their lives is not only admirable — it is essential,” Rothstein said. He expressed humility in following previous secretaries and gratitude for the governor’s trust. “The governor’s faith, trust, and confidence in my approach is all I can ask for from a true leader. I am deeply honored to serve under his visionary leadership.”
Rothstein holds an undergraduate degree from Lock Haven University and master’s degrees from Webster University and the Eisenhower School for National Security.
Former U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski lauded the appointment, saying, “He is a mission driven strong leader who puts people first over bureaucracy. Having served in the military for over 30 years he knows military life and its impact on families.”
Delegate Michael J. Rogers echoed this sentiment, stating, “Ed Rothstein’s background to include his service to both this nation and Maryland make him the quintessential secretary to lead DVMF forward serving Maryland Veterans and families.”
Carroll County Administrator Roberta Windham, who has worked with Rothstein for over six years, added, “His dedication to veterans and his passion for service is evident in everything he does.”
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