Carol A. Beatty was sworn in as Secretary of the Maryland Department of Disabilities on March 27, 2015. Governor Wes Moore re-appointed her as Secretary in January 2023. Preceding her appointment, Beatty was Executive Director of The Arc of Howard County, a non-profit organization serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
At The Arc Howard County, Beatty was responsible for public policy advocacy and the delivery of quality services and supports including employment and day services, community living, and family support. Prior to her work at The Arc, Beatty served in an executive-level capacity at Alternative Living, Inc., and Bello Machre, Inc., non-profit organizations serving individuals with disabilities.
Beatty received a BA degree in Mass Communications and History from Towson University and a MS degree in Special Education from Johns Hopkins University. She has received numerous awards for her work on behalf of individuals with disabilities including induction into the Howard County Women's Hall of Fame in 2012 and was selected as one of the Daily Record's Maryland's Top 100 Women Circle of Excellence. Beatty has a physical disability as a result of having had polio as a child. She resides in Howard County with her husband Ed.