Edward Rothstein

Biography
Edward C. “Ed” Rothstein
Acting Secretary, Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families

Colonel Edward C. “Ed” Rothstein (U.S. Army, Ret.) brings over three decades of leadership, public service, and military experience to his role as Secretary of the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families. A native of Wayne, New Jersey, Rothstein was raised in a household that instilled in him a deep respect for service—his father a Korean War veteran and high school biology teacher, his mother a dedicated nurse. Inspired by their example, Rothstein pursued a career committed to service, starting with a degree in special education from Lock Haven University and a commission into the U.S. Army through ROTC in 1986.

Rothstein served 30 years in the U.S. Army, both on active duty and Army Reserves, beginning in the Chemical Corps before transitioning to Military Intelligence. He held senior intelligence roles at the Pentagon and the National Security Agency (NSA). While at NSA, Rothstein oversaw a generational change in using NSA resources to counter the IED threat in Iraq. His overseas deployments included combat and intelligence operations in Iraq and Afghanistan with U.S. and coalition forces, where he earned recognition for his strategic leadership and commitment to mission readiness.

In 2011, Rothstein was appointed Garrison Commander of Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, where he led more than 227,000 personnel across five states. His tenure was marked by a deep focus on resiliency, community engagement, and strategic growth, as he helped the installation navigate the complexities of BRAC expansion, while strengthening partnerships with the surrounding region. He spearheaded initiatives including the Fort Meade Community Covenant, wellness and family advocacy programs, and substance abuse prevention efforts—all while managing operations under challenging budget conditions.

Following his military retirement in 2014, Rothstein founded ERA Advisory, a service-disabled veteran-owned consulting firm. He continued serving his community through leadership roles, including as Executive Director of the BWI Business Partnership, President and CEO of the Anne Arundel County Economic Development Corporation, and  later as a two-term Carroll County Commissioner, where he worked to advance economic development, public health, and veteran support initiatives.

On July 14, 2025, Governor Wes Moore appointed Rothstein to serve as Secretary of the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families. In this role, Rothstein draws on his military expertise, public sector experience, and unwavering dedication to those who serve. He continues to champion integrated support for service members, veterans, and military families across Maryland.

Rothstein lives in Maryland with his wife, Audrey, whom he met while stationed at Fort Ord and married in 1994. Together, they have two children, Emily and Sam. Throughout his career, Rothstein has been recognized not only for his leadership, but for his community-first philosophy, collaborative spirit, and commitment to resilience, wellness, and service.