Today, Secretary of Health and Human Services Kate Walsh announced that Sarah Peterson has been appointed Commissioner of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), effective immediately. Peterson has served as Acting Commissioner since the end of August 2024, following two years as General Counsel for DDS.
“Sarah has spent her entire career advocating so that people can access the supports and services they need to thrive in their communities,” said Secretary Walsh. “We have every confidence in her ability to lead this critically important agency as it deepens its commitment and further develops programs and services so DDS clients – who are our family members, neighbors and friends – can continue to thrive. Sarah will be a strong and close collaborator with the people we serve and their families so that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our state can live their best lives.”
“DDS is a tremendous agency and I am honored to have been selected to serve as its Commissioner. The past seven months as Acting Commissioner have given me insights into both the successes and challenges in the work that we do,” said Commissioner Peterson. “I am very grateful for the opportunity to lead DDS into its next chapter with an eye toward greater transparency, equity, and consistency in our delivery of services and with increased communication and engagement from our stakeholders.”
“The Arc has been working closely with Acting Commissioner Sarah Peterson and is pleased to see her at the helm of this vital agency,” said The Arc of Massachusetts CEO Maura Sullivan. “We look forward to continued collaboration to advance the rights of individuals with IDD and autism, ensuring they and their families have access to essential DDS supports.”
