Leadership Team

A headshot of Ernestina Simmons, Director of the Mayor's Office of Homeless Services               

Director - Ernestina Simmons

Ernestina Simmons, LCSW-C, is Director of the Mayor's Office of Homeless Services (MOHS). Director Simmons is a results-driven, dynamic human services leader with 25+ years of diverse experience in child welfare, supportive housing, homeless services, and clinical services. She holds an undergraduate degree in Social Work from Adelphi University and a graduate degree in Social Work from Fordham University; Director Simmons is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Maryland.

Prior to her current appointment, Director Simmons spent 10 years in leadership at nonprofit organizations in Baltimore City and 15 years with child welfare agencies in Baltimore City & Baltimore County. She recognizes the City's ability to create measurable impact by ensuring increased accessibility and responsiveness by creating operationalized systems for our service providers and standards of care for our neighbors experiencing homelessness.

Director Simmons is a New York native and married to her college best friend, Marlon, with whom she shares two children.


MOHS Executive Leadership Team

Executive Assistant - Larry Franklin

Deputy Director - Ken O'Bryant

Director of Programs - Lakeysha Williams

HMIS Supervisor - LaSandra Jackson

Public Information Officer - Jessica Dortch