TOWSON, MD—Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski on Tuesday announced plans to appoint D’Andrea L. Walker as Baltimore County Administrative Officer.

Walker, who currently serves as Director of the Baltimore County Department of Public Works and Transportation, will succeed Stacy L. Rodgers who is retiring from Baltimore County government next month after serving more than 30 years in federal, state, and local government agencies and non-profit organizations.

“D’Andrea is a forward-thinking leader and a vital member of our administration whose innovative efforts have consistently improved County operations — and delivered for those we serve. I am thrilled to appoint her to this role to build on that impressive record,” said County Executive Olszewski. “She leads by example and shares our vision to deliver equitable, efficient and accessible services for every resident, and I have absolute confidence that D’Andrea will build upon the strong foundation laid by Stacy Rodgers — continuing to shape a better Baltimore County for generations to come.”

“I am so proud of all we have accomplished together to create a better Baltimore County where every resident can live, study, work, raise a family, and age gracefully. We also recognize there is more work to do. I am very pleased that County Executive Olszewski has selected Director Walker to serve as the next County Administrative Officer and build upon our shared success,” Rodgers said. “Director Walker is a well-qualified public servant, an outstanding administrator, and a true team player who knows County government well. I am confident she will do outstanding job in continuing to provide excellence in governance.”

As Director of the Department of Public Works and Transportation, Walker leads a department of nearly 1,000 employees and manages an over $500 million operating budget with a total portfolio of more than $1 billion, including capital and the metropolitan district funds. Under her leadership, DPWT has modernized programs and improved services, including bringing back residential bulk trash collection for the first time since 1992, announcing plans to significantly extend the life of the County’s landfill, launching the Towson Loop, Baltimore County’s first free locally-operated transit service, and more.

Previously she served as Baltimore County’s first dedicated Deputy Director for Transportation and prior to joining County government served as Associate Director for Transportation at the Prince George’s County Department of Public Works and Transportation. She has also held senior roles, with the Maryland Transit Administration, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, the Maryland Department of General Services, and the Maryland Governor’s Office. Walker holds a Bachelor’s degree and a Master of Business Administration degree from Morgan State University.

As County Administrative Officer, she will be responsible for directing Baltimore County government’s day-to-day operations, including overseeing the efforts of County departments.

“I thank County Executive Olszewski for his confidence in me and for the incredible honor of this appointment. This opportunity is humbling and I could not be more excited to build on the incredible legacy of Stacy L. Rodgers who I am proud to call a friend and mentor,” said Walker. “For nearly three decades, I have been a proud public servant and I look forward to continuing to serve the residents of Baltimore County in this new role for years to come.”

Walker’s appointment as County Administrative Officer is subject to County Council approval, which is currently expected to be considered on Monday, April 15.

Olszewski on Tuesday also made the following additional senior leadership announcements:

• Renee Coleman will be appointed as Director of the Office of Human Resources (OHR).
• Gregory Strella has been named Chief Sustainability Officer.
• Lauren Buckler, P.E., CEM, LEED AP, who currently serves as Deputy Director of the Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPWT), will be named Acting Director contingent upon Walker’s affirmative appointment as County Administrative Officer by the County Council.
• Mike Fried has announced plans to depart his role as of Director of the of the Office of Information Technology, effective April 1. Christopher Martin, who currently serves as OIT Deputy Director, will be named Acting Director following Fried’s departure.
• Tracey Paliath is now serving as the Executive Director of the Baltimore County Ethics Commission.

“The key to building a better Baltimore County is building a great team, and I am thrilled that these talented individuals will put their experience and passion to work on behalf of our residents and communities,” Olszewski said.

Coleman’s appointment will be subject to County Council approval.

Photo via Baltimore County Government