Annapolis, MD (October 24, 2003) - Anne Arundel County Executive Janet S. Owens has tapped her Land Use & Environment Officer, Bob Walker, to be her next Chief Administrative Officer, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of John Brusnighan. For the past two years, Walker has had oversight of the Land Use departments - Planning & Zoning, Inspections & Permits, Public Works and the Office of Environmental & Cultural Resources. "Bob brings a broad range of senior management experience and talent to the CAO's position," Ms. Owens said. "Having served as a Cabinet Secretary under Governor Schaefer, a diplomat, and a businessman, Bob has unique skills that well qualify him for this important assignment. In addition, his service as my Land Use and Environment Officer for the past two years has given him keen insight into the land use issues that will continue to confront our County in the coming years. His past involvement in numerous civic and community organizations testify to his deep commitment to public and community service," Ms. Owens continued. "I want to thank and commend John Hammond, the Budget Officer and Acting Chief Administrative Officer, for his exemplary service, particularly during Tropical Storm Isabel," Ms. Owens said. "Moving forward, John has the financial talent needed to help guide the County through these challenging times of fiscal uncertainty." Before joining County government in August 2001, Walker held diplomatic assignments in Russia and Ukraine where he worked for more than seven years. Prior to that, he was Maryland's Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Agriculture from 1986 until 1994 in the Administration of former Governor William Donald Schaefer. Before joining Governor Schaefer's Cabinet, Walker worked for more than ten years for the Esskay Company where he served in a variety of management assignments, his last being as corporate vice president. While Land Use Officer, Walker initiated the start of a major overhaul of the plan review and permit process in an effort to make the system more "user-friendly," transparent and predictable. This has included an initiative to upgrade the technology and "re-engineer" the business processes within the Land Use agencies. In addition, Walker has sought to tighten the enforcement of environmental regulations and improve County relations with the State's Critical Area Commission and other environmental groups. He has also encouraged the expansion of the "Stewardship initiative" designed to create partnerships between the County, developers and community groups. "I have been honored to serve the County Executive for these past two years as her Land Use and Environment Officer. I am especially honored, and deeply humbled, to be named her Chief Administrative Officer," Walker said. "I trust my actions will confirm the confidence she has placed in me to serve the citizens of Anne Arundel County with the highest of standards and integrity. We will be faced with significant challenges in the coming months, framed largely by the weak national economy and enormous State budget deficits, both of which impact in a negative way on County government. I stand ready to work with the County Executive and her Administration as we strive to maintain our essential public services and protect our employees while we confront a new round of budget cuts," Walker continued. Walker has been involved with numerous civic and community organizations including the Baltimore City School Board where he served as president, and as a member of the Board of Regents of the University of Maryland System. A graduate of Baltimore City College High School and Towson University, Walker resides with his wife, Tanya, and three children, including a son who is a senior at Chesapeake High School, in Pasadena. |
