Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier announced the selection of Khadija E. Walker as her appointee for Baltimore County Inspector General.
According to the County Executive’s office, Walker has more than 20 years of Inspector General experience on the federal level, was selected following an open search process and two rounds of interviews with high-level candidates.
Her appointment is subject to confirmation by members of the Baltimore County Council.
“I am happy to appoint Khadija Walker to be Baltimore County’s next Inspector General,” said County Executive Klausmeier.
“Khadija has more than 22 years of high-level Inspector General experience—notably in her work to hold the federal government accountable in the wake of the Flint, Michigan and Jackson, Mississippi water crises—which has prepared her to be a champion for communities and unafraid to challenge waste, fraud, and abuse at any level. Through our selection process, it became apparent that she is the most qualified candidate to further advance the office and continue to preserve integrity and transparency in Baltimore County government.”
This announcement is being met with controversy as many elected officials were hoping current Inspector General Kelly Madigan would remain in her position.
Councilman David Marks said that he supports Madigan remaining as Baltimore County Inspector General, and would only support her nomination.
“I will only vote to confirm Kelly Madigan. There is no reason to replace her,” Mark said in statement.
Councilmen Wade Kach, Izzy Patoka and Todd Crandell have also said they fully support Madigan.
Baltimore County’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is tasked with identifying waste, fraud, and abuse in county government as well as promoting efficiency, accountability, and integrity throughout government operations.
According to Baltimore County, the Office of the Inspector General was established as a charter position in Baltimore County by then-County Executive Johnny Olszewski as the Office of Ethics and Accountability in 2019, and later renamed as the Office of the Inspector General in July 2020.
Following recommendations from the Baltimore County Blue Ribbon Commission on Ethics and Accountability, the Office of Inspector General was made financially independent and enshrined into Baltimore County’s Charter in 2024.
As detailed in the Baltimore County charter, the County Executive is charged with appointing the Inspector General, who is then subject to confirmation by the County Council.
The Inspector General may hold office for up to two four-year terms.
Klausmeier’s appointment of Walker is expected to be discussed at the County Council’s July 29 work session, followed by a vote for approval at an upcoming legislative session.
