December 30, 2019
Media Contact:
Scott L. Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and Maryland Department of Human Services Secretary Lourdes Padilla have announced Stephen Liggett-Creel as the new Director of the Howard County Department of Social Services (DSS).
DSS provides services for county residents including child and adult protective services, medical assistance, employment support, food supplement programs, family preservation, temporary cash, emergency assistance, and many others.
"I am excited for this joint appointment of Stephen Liggett-Creel who will help lead Howard County's Department of Social Services,” said Ball. “To truly move toward my vision of a thriving community, our DSS plays a critical role in working on social determinants of health and providing services to move families toward self-sufficiency and resiliency. Stephen has the expertise and leadership to work together with many partners at the non-profit campus to bring transformative change for all."
Liggett-Creel is a 2001 graduate from the University of Maryland School of Social Work and has been committed to the Child Welfare system in many capacities. Most recently, Liggett-Creel has served as the Chief of Staff for the Prince George's County Department of Social Services from 2014 to 2019. During his time with DSS, he provided leadership for the Agency’s Local Administration and Child, Adult & Family Services divisions, along with the Community Schools Network initiative.
“I look forward to serving the residents of Howard County as the new Director of the Department of Social Services,” said Liggett-Creel. “I am excited to build on the efforts of the Department to provide timely, high quality, and innovative services to support youth and families in being resilient and self-sufficient. I look forward to being part of the County vision to build a thriving community.”
Before coming to public child welfare, Liggett-Creel served as the Vice President for Hearts and Homes for Youth, a non-profit agency providing Treatment Foster Care, Group Home, and Independent Living services. Before moving to management, he worked for more than seven years as a front line social worker providing home-based and direct therapeutic services for children and families.