Gov.-elect Charlie Baker has named Marylou Sudders, a former state commissioner of mental health and chief executive of the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, to serve as Secretary of Health and Human Services in his administration.
Sudders, currently an associate professor at Boston College, will oversee one of the largest and most sensitive areas of state government.
Among the agencies under the department’s umbrella are the Department of Children and Families and the state Department of Public Health.
Baker says he has known Sudders for more than 20 years and believes she will bring experience, leadership and passion to the post. The two served together under Republican Gov. Paul Cellucci.
Sudders is the first woman named to Baker’s cabinet.
Baker takes office on Jan. 8.
