[Friday, Oct. 15, 2024] The Charles County Department of Social Services is pleased to announce that Dr. Tanisha Sanders was selected to become the new Director of the Charles County Department of Social Services. Rafael Lopez, Maryland Secretary of Human Services, said Dr. Sanders would take office on Oct. 23.

Dr. Sanders holds a Bachelor of Arts from West Virginia University and a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Human Services from Capella University. Before the appointment, Dr. Sanders spent 19 years in service to Charles County and the State of Maryland, beginning as a foster care worker in 2001. From there, Sanders served in various roles, such as the Deputy Director for Service Programs at the Charles County Department of Social Services and as Youth in Transition Coordinator for Charles County Public Schools.

“Dr. Sanders has leveraged her experience in social work, youth mental health, program oversight, and collaboration with community partners to deliver better results for Maryland’s children, youth, and families,” Lopez said in the release. “Her leadership demonstrates the power of inclusion and relationship building in serving our customers.”

Dr. Sanders will replace Aleata Dawkins, who served as the acting Director for the Charles County Department of Social Services team during the transition process.