Two more cabinet secretaries plan to depart Maryland Gov. Wes Moore’s administration as he heads into his second term.

Serena McIlwain will leave her post as secretary of the Maryland Department of the Environment at the end of the year, while Russell Strickland, secretary of emergency management, will retire in a few weeks, Moore announced Thursday.

The moves come on the heels of last week’s announcement that three cabinet secretaries have left their posts: Carolyn Scruggs of public safety and correctional services, Edward Rothstein of veterans and military families, and Susan Lee, the secretary of state.

Moore also switched up his chief of staff, the highest-ranking staffer in his office responsible for overseeing state government. Manny Welsh was promoted to the role as Lester Davis departed to lead the Maryland Technology Development Corp.

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At MDE, Deputy Secretary Adam Ortiz will take over as acting secretary once McIlwain departs on Dec. 31. Moore plans to nominate him to take over the role as secretary, subject to Maryland Senate confirmation.

Maryland Secretary of Emergency Management Russell Strickland, seen speaking at a press conference earlier this year, is retiring from his secretary position. (Jerry Jackson/The Banner)

Strickland has led the state’s emergency management efforts since 2015, capping a long career in public service. He previously was the deputy director of state emergency management, the director of Harford County’s emergency management, and assistant director of the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute.

Once Strickland retires on Dec. 8, the acting secretary will be Earl Stoddard, who has been assistant chief administrative officer for Montgomery County’s government. Before that, Stoddard was the county’s director of emergency management and homeland security.

Moore also plans to nominate Stoddard to the secretary position.