Secretary Landgraf

Rita Landgraf brings a range of experience and proven leadership abilities to her new role as Secretary of Delaware Health and Social Services (DHSS).

Landgraf spent much of her career at the Arc of Delaware, serving as executive director for 12 years. In that role, she developed new program initiatives, including an employment program, self-determination training, development of real estate for people with mental retardation and created a spin-off trust known as the Delaware CarePlan.

Since 2003 she has served as co-chair of the Governor's Commission on Community-Based Alternatives for Persons with Disabilities. In August of 2007 she was selected as Co-Chair of the Governor's Task Force on the Delaware Psychiatric Center. She recently served as volunteer acting executive director of The Arc of Delaware from March 2007 until December 2007. Rita also serves as Chair of the University of Delaware’s Center for Disabilities Studies Advisory Council, Vice Chair of the State Council for Persons with Disabilities and is Vice President of Delaware CarePlan.

Since 2006, Landgraf worked as state President for AARP Delaware providing dynamic leadership for the organization until she resigned to serve as DHSS Secretary.

Landgraf intends to devote her attention full time to systemic advocacy and reform at the state and national level, while focusing on enhancing service delivery, mobility options, affordable, safe housing, employment, access to health care and life enriching opportunities, which would enable citizens to remain and thrive in their communities. She envisions a community, which is responsive to all citizens including the aging and those with disabilities.