Kristen Cox a working mother of two, Kris has been a tireless advocate of education and empowerment since she was in college.

Before Governor Ehrlich names Kris the Secretary of the nation's first cabinet level Department of Disabilities, Kris was a presidential appointee to the United States Department of Education where she helped develop national initiatives to promote the employment and independence of individuals with disabilities.

As Secretary of the Maryland Department of Disabilities, Kris has made empowering Marylanders through education, healthcare and opportunity her top priorities.

Before becoming a policy maker, Kris coordinated the National Federation for the Blind's legislative agenda at their national headquarters in Baltimore.

A devout Christian, Kris spent eighteen months as a missionary serving the people of Brazil before graduating University with a degree in educational psychology and a certificate in special education.

Today, Kris lives in Baltimore County with her husband Randy and two sons, Tanner and Riley.