Ms. Sharmila Mary Joseph, born on 22 September 1970, is a 1997 batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre. She holds an M.B.B.S. from Kerala University and an M.P.P. from Syracuse University. Currently, she serves as the Principal Secretary of the Women and Child Development Department, Kerala, since 15 April 2025. Her extensive career includes roles such as Secretary to Government, Managing Director, Member, Director, Deputy Secretary, Project Director, District Collector, Under Secretary, Sub Collector, Assistant Collector, and Principal Secretary. She is proficient in Hindi and Malayalam and continues to serve in the Indian Administrative Service.