TOWSON, MD—Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier announced Thursday the selection of Khadija E. Walker, a federal veteran with more than two decades of Inspector General experience, as her appointee for Baltimore County Inspector General. Walker’s name has been formally submitted to the County Council for consideration and confirmation.
Walker was chosen after an extensive search process that included two rounds of interviews with high-level candidates. Her appointment aims to bolster the Office of the Inspector General (OIG), which is responsible for identifying waste, fraud and abuse within county government and promoting efficiency, accountability and integrity.
“I am happy to appoint Khadija Walker to be Baltimore County’s next Inspector General,” Klausmeier said in a statement. “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.”
Klausmeier added that Walker’s qualifications became “apparent” during the selection process, making her the most suitable candidate to advance the office and preserve integrity and transparency in Baltimore County government.
Walker’s extensive background includes roles at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)’s OIG and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s OIG. Her responsibilities have involved leading and conducting performance audits of numerous national environmental programs, including drinking water, clean water and Superfund sites. She has led teams in producing over 60 reports and has supported congressional testimony related to the Flint and Jackson water crises, assessing federal responsibility in those public health emergencies.
“Baltimore County residents deserve an independent Inspector General to elevate the work of this office and put an end to waste, fraud, and abuse in our local government,” Walker said. “I am confident that my federal experience will help this office continue to eliminate corruption and enhance public trust and accountability on behalf of all residents.”
Walker has received numerous accolades for her work, including the EPA Gold Medal and awards for excellence from the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency.
Klausmeier emphasized her commitment to transparency and accountability, noting that a comprehensive recruitment process was undertaken, culminating in the establishment of an Inspector General Selection Panel. This five-member panel, comprising experts in federal, state and local governance, including former inspectors general, interviewed four candidates and recommended three to Klausmeier. The County Executive, along with panel member Arthur Elkins and Baltimore County Ethics Commission Chair Mandee Heinl, conducted a final round of interviews before Walker’s selection.
Dennis King, who chaired the selection panel, praised the process. “The importance of the Office of the Inspector General’s work to maintain an open and transparent government cannot be overstated, and I was honored to serve as chair of the Inspector General Selection Panel,” King said. “We interviewed several impressive candidates and unanimously agreed to recommend three names for County Executive Klausmeier’s consideration. The candidates’ experience, knowledge, and commitment to integrity were evident during this process, and I stand behind her selection.”
The Office of the Inspector General was established in Baltimore County in 2019 as the Office of Ethics and Accountability and renamed in 2020. In 2024, it was enshrined in the county’s Charter and made financially independent, following recommendations from the Baltimore County Blue Ribbon Commission on Ethics and Accountability. The County Executive is charged with appointing the Inspector General, subject to County Council confirmation. The Inspector General may serve up to two four-year terms.
Klausmeier urged the County Council to consider Walker’s “proven success and wealth of experience” during the confirmation process. Walker’s appointment is expected to be discussed at the County Council’s July 29 work session, with a vote for approval anticipated at a subsequent legislative session.
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