Governor Moore Announces Maryland Higher Education Commission Leadership Transition

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Wes Moore today announced a leadership transition within the Maryland Higher Education Commission, with Secretary Dr. Sanjay Rai planning to conclude his tenure as secretary effective March 27 after nearly three years in the role. Deputy Secretary Elena Quiroz-Livanis will thereafter serve as interim secretary until a search to permanently fill the cabinet post is complete.

“I commend Secretary Rai for his dedication to public service and commitment to expanding opportunity through education,” said Gov. Moore. “Under his leadership, Maryland has opened new pathways for students to learn, grow, and succeed. We are grateful for his service and will continue building on that progress to ensure every Marylander has access to a world-class education and a pathway to work, wages, and wealth.”

“Serving as Secretary of the Maryland Higher Education Commission has been a true privilege, and I am deeply grateful to Governor Moore for this opportunity,” said Maryland Higher Education Commission Secretary Dr. Sanjay Rai. “I am proud of the work we have done to expand opportunity and strengthen workforce-aligned pathways for Maryland students. Together, we have made meaningful progress to ensure that more Marylanders can access a high-quality education and build a strong foundation for their future. I remain confident that this important work will continue in the years ahead. I also want to extend my sincere appreciation to the MHEC Commissioners and the entire Maryland higher education community for their steadfast support, guidance, and collaboration.”

Elena Quiroz-Livanis is the deputy secretary of the Maryland Higher Education Commission, where she leads statewide higher education policy and fosters collaboration across state agencies, colleges, and national partners to build a stronger postsecondary ecosystem that creates more opportunities for all. She has been responsible for updating Maryland’s State Plan for Higher Education, including setting new attainment goals and shaping strategies to expand opportunity, strengthen workforce alignment, and advance student success in partnership with institutions and stakeholders.

Prior to joining MHEC, Quiroz-Livanis served in the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education for 11 years, including as chief of staff and assistant commissioner of academic policy and student success. Beyond state government, she currently serves on the Community College Research Center Advisory Board and is a former Complete College America Fellow, contributing to national efforts to improve college completion and strengthen outcomes for historically underserved student populations.

“Throughout my career, I’ve been driven by a commitment to expanding opportunity and strengthening outcomes for students,” said Maryland Higher Education Commission Deputy Secretary Elena Quiroz-Livanis. “And I’m honored to serve as interim secretary and continue advancing this important work in service to Marylanders. I look forward to building on our progress and working alongside our partners to ensure every learner has access to a high-quality postsecondary pathway to success.”

Quiroz-Livanis earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Florida in Political Science and International Relations and master’s degree from the University of Massachusetts Boston in Public Administration. She is a doctoral candidate in the Higher Education Program at the University of Massachusetts Boston.

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