DOVER — Gov. Jack Markell announced Tuesday he has nominated an administrator with the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families to become the new secretary.

Carla Benson-Green, a regional administrator in the Division of Family Services since 2001, would replace Jennifer Ranji, who was confirmed as a Family Court judge by the Senate last week.

Carla Benson-Green

“Carla has spent her entire career serving the children and families of our state,” Gov. Markell said in a statement. “She has been with the department since its inception in 1982, taking on increasingly demanding roles and gaining valuable skills and experience in all of the areas in which DSCYF supports Delaware families. With her leadership, we will build upon Delaware’s progress in caring for our most vulnerable children.”

Ms. Benson-Green began working as a front-line investigation worker with the division and has supervised the Office of Child Care Licensing.

“I am deeply humbled and honored to be nominated by Gov. Markell to lead the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families,” Ms. Benson-Green said in a statement.

“Having worked for the department for 33 years, I know the important role the department serves and the incredible commitment of the individuals who work there. If confirmed by the Senate, I look forward to building upon the strong foundation that has been laid to rehabilitate, treat, and protect Delaware’s children.”

A Dover resident, she graduated from Morgan State University. She would be the third Children Services head under Gov. Markell. The previous two secretaries are now judges.

Ms. Benson-Green will be voted on by the Senate in a special session Nov. 30.