Maral V. Karaccusian Named Interim Director of L.A. County’s Aging & Disabilities Department

Maral Karaccusian, MSW, has been appointed Interim Director of the Los Angeles County Aging & Disabilities Department (AD) following the retirement of Dr. Laura Trejo.

In her new role, Karaccusian will oversee one of the largest and most comprehensive aging and disability service networks in the country — including Adult Protective Services (APS), the Area Agency on Aging (AAA), thirteen Community and Senior Centers, and two advisory commissions: the Los Angeles County Commission for Older Adults (LACCOA) and the Los Angeles County Commission on Disabilities (LACCOD).

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.

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 survivors of systemic injustice.

Prior to this appointment, she served as Senior Children and Human Services Policy Deputy for Supervisor Janice Hahn, where she led initiatives related to aging, disability, child welfare, food systems, social services, and more. Earlier in her career, she was District Director for former Congressmember Karen Bass, overseeing district operations and community-focused policy strategy.

“When I set out to create the Aging & Disabilities Department, Maral led the way. Her years of experience, compassion, and leadership make her an ideal fit to guide this department through its next chapter,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “Maral brings a powerful mix of policy expertise and frontline perspective that not only benefits our County staff but helps us better serve the public.”

“I am honored to serve in this role and continue the important work of supporting older adults and people with disabilities across Los Angeles County,” said Karaccusian. “This department is uniquely positioned to be a voice for equity, access, and possibility — and I look forward to working with our community partners and staff to expand our reach and impact.”

Karaccusian holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in political science from UCLA, and a master’s in social work from USC, where she received the Gladys M. Salit Award for leadership, academic achievement, and field excellence. She teaches in the Department of Social Work at CSUN and serves on the board of the Center for Nonprofit Management, which supports and strengthens the region’s nonprofit sector.

She steps into the role after the tenure of Dr. Laura Trejo, who was appointed as the department’s inaugural director in July 2022, when the Aging & Disabilities Department was first established.

With a deep understanding of the systems that serve vulnerable populations, Karaccusian is guiding the department forward during a moment of transformation and opportunity.