Baltimore County has just announced a notable change in leadership within its Department of Public Works and Transportation. Lauren Buckler has been appointed as the new director, and she will be stepping up from her position as acting director in April of this year. Buckler brings her extensive experience to the forefront as she assumes control of a department managing a substantial budget and workforce. "Lauren's extensive experience, dedication to excellence, and proven leadership will continue to enhance our commitment to delivering equitable, efficient, and accessible services for every Baltimore County resident," County Executive Johnny Olszewski stated in a release detailed by Baltimore County's official website.
This leadership segue sees Buckler overseeing an operating budget of over $500 million and a department of nearly 1,000 employees. Her promotion to the director role follows the appointment of her predecessor, D’Andrea Walker, as the Baltimore County administrative officer earlier this year. On her watch, the department's portfolio climbed to more than a $1 billion valuation, corroborating the county's faith in her abilities to continue this growth trajectory and operational evolution.
Before her time in the county government, Buckler accrued nearly two decades of experience through various private and public roles. With a solid engineering, design, and construction background, her career has been characterized by leadership positions that commanded strategic oversight and hands-on project administration. In her previous role as deputy director, Buckler's purview included crucial infrastructure initiatives, such as Green Infrastructure and Sidewalk Connectivity, alongside expediting architectural and engineering procurement processes.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity, Buckler said in Baltimore County's news release, "I am honored to continue to serve Baltimore County in this role and I look forward to continuing to provide solutions to the County I have always called home." Her educational background, including an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and a Master's in Project Management from George Washington University, augments her rich professional tapestry.
