Baltimore County Inspector General Kelly Madigan is set to resign from her position and has already mapped a path forward to Howard County, where she has accepted a similar role. Madigan, whose resignation is effective January 2, 2026, will assume her new role on January 5, 2026, as stated in a letter she sent out to the public that was reported by Fox Baltimore. In the interim, Deputy Inspector General Steven Quisenberry has been appointed to function as the Acting Inspector General.
Detailing her reasons for leaving, Madigan expressed that limitations in the tools and support needed to protect the integrity of the Baltimore County government were a significant factor. According to WBAL-TV, an earlier incident saw her survive an attempt to be replaced when Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier informed her to reapply for her position, which was subsequently offered to another candidate. However, the offered candidate, Khadija Walker, was not confirmed for the role, and the future reappointment was deferred to the next executive and County Council.
The discussions surrounding Madigan's reappointment led to divergences among the council members on how they intended to proceed with the confirmation vote, with a majority initially supporting Madigan. Ultimately, only two members voted in favor of the new appointment, leaving Klausmeier to postpone future actions on the position. Madigan's services as Baltimore County's first inspector general are marked from 2020 until the onset of the new year, when she transitions to Howard County.
In her letter, which was reported on by WBAL-TV, Madigan shared, "Making this decision has been one of the hardest of my professional life." She reflected on the honor of serving as Baltimore County's first inspector general, embracing the values of transparency, oversight, and ethical standards solicited by the public. However, the struggle to maintain those principles in a restricted environment compelled her to explore, and eventually accept, a different opportunity.
