Maral Karaccusian Appointed Director of the L.A. County Aging & Disabilities Department
LOS ANGELES—The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously appointed Maral Karaccusian, MSW, as Director of the Aging & Disabilities Department on January 6.
Karaccusian leads one of the nation’s largest and most comprehensive aging and disability service networks overseeing Adult Protective Services, the Area Agency on Aging, Disability Services and Supports, 13 Community and Senior Centers, and two County advisory bodies: the Los Angeles County Commission for Older Adults and the Los Angeles County Commission on Disabilities.
The Department plays a vital role in supporting older adults and people with disabilities across the County, ensuring access to essential services, resources, and community-based programs that promote independence, dignity, and inclusion.
“The population of older adults in Los Angeles County continues to grow, and we need leaders who are prepared to meet their diverse needs to age with the dignity and grace they deserve,” said Board Chair Hilda L. Solis, Supervisor for the First District.
“As the new Director of Aging & Disabilities, Maral Karaccusian brings forth decades of experience, values-driven leadership, and a commitment to equity that will strengthen our County’s ability to provide innovative, high-quality services that allow older adults and people with disabilities to fully access support and opportunities. I’m proud to have supported her appointment and look forward to seeing the positive impact she’ll have for some of our most vulnerable Angelenos,” Solis added.
Karaccusian brings more than 20 years of experience in social work, human services, and public policy to the position. Her work has focused on improving outcomes for some of the County’s most vulnerable populations including older adults, people with disabilities, foster youth, and communities impacted by systemic injustice. Rooted in the core values of public service, social justice and dignity for all, she is committed to advancing equity, strengthening safety net systems, and improving outcomes for older adults and people with disabilities. She understands that providing social services requires addressing the complex interplay among institutions, individuals, families, and communities.
“When I set out to create the County’s first Aging and Disabilities Department, Maral was there leading the way. I’m proud to see her graduate from my office and step into this new role, guiding a young department into its next chapter,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn, for whom Karaccusian served as Senior Children and Human Services Deputy for nearly eight years.
“Maral brings deep institutional knowledge, genuine compassion, and a frontline perspective to this position, and I look forward to seeing how she puts those strengths to work for the residents who rely on us most,” Hahn added.
“I’m pleased that Maral Karaccusian will lead the Aging & Disabilities Department,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “She brings deep experience serving our elderly and disabled communities. I look forward to her leadership across the County, especially her work with the fire-impacted Altadena community to rebuild the beloved Altadena Senior Center. Ensuring seniors and people with disabilities have safe places to connect is crucial to keeping our communities healthy.”
“Maral Karaccusian is a caring and effective leader who knows our County communities well. She brings a deep commitment to fully supporting our older adults and people with disabilities, while valuing and leveraging their expertise to build a stronger County for everyone,” added Supervisor Lindsey Horvath. “We welcome Maral into this new role and look forward to partnering with her to center the needs of older adults and people with disabilities in the work of the County.”
As Senior Children and Human Services Deputy for the Fourth Supervisorial District, Karaccusian was responsible for developing and guiding legislation and strategic policy aimed at systemic reform across child welfare, social and human services, and services for older adults and people with disabilities. She previously served as District Director for former Congressmember Karen Bass, overseeing district operations and advancing policy priorities responsive to community needs. She started as a social worker and has built a career dedicated to strengthening public systems and expanding opportunities for the County’s most vulnerable populations.
Serving as Interim Director since September 2025, Karaccusian has launched with staff the Department’s first strategic planning process grounded in the lived experiences of older adults and people with disabilities. She has strengthened engagement with the Commissions, labor partners, and regional agencies, advanced the Department’s leadership role in the County’s emergency preparedness review process, and has championed internal efforts focused on organizational alignment, workforce development, transparency, and modernization of Departmental operations.
“I am honored to lead the Aging & Disabilities Department at a time when our work has never been more important,” said Karaccusian. “Our mission is to ensure that older adults and people with disabilities across Los Angeles County can access the support and resources they need within their communities, empowering everyone to live, grow, and age with dignity and a sense of belonging.”
Karaccusian holds a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Political Science from UCLA and a Master of Social Work from USC where she received the Gladys M. Salit Award for leadership and academic excellence. She teaches graduate courses in the Department of Social Work at California State University, Northridge, serves on the board of the Center for Nonprofit Management, and is the first Armenian American to lead a Los Angeles County department.
With a deep understanding of the systems that serve vulnerable populations, Karaccusian is guiding the department forward during a moment of transformation and opportunity.
Established in July 2022, the Aging & Disabilities Department (AD) serves the Los Angeles region’s growing population of older adults and adults with disabilities through thoughtful action, compassion, and supportive programs. Through its advocacy and dedicated efforts, the department strives to empower individuals to live with dignity and independence. This mission is guided by the belief that every individual, regardless of age or ability, deserves to lead a fulfilling and dignified life, enriched by the involvement and support of their community.
