County Executive Olszewski Appoints Lauren Buckler as Director of the Department of Public Works and Transportation

TOWSON – Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski today appointed Lauren Buckler, P.E., CEM, LEED AP, as director of the Department of Public Works and Transportation.
 
Buckler, who has served as acting director since April 2024, began her work in Baltimore County in 2021 when she was named deputy director of the Department of Public Works. As director, Buckler will lead a department of nearly 1,000 employees and manage an operating budget of more than $500 million with a total portfolio of more than $1 billion, including capital and metropolitan district funds. She succeeds D’Andrea Walker, who in March was appointed as Baltimore County administrative officer.
 
“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,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “I look forward to continuous growth and innovation at the Department of Public Works and Transportation under her leadership for years to come.”
 
Buckler brings nearly 20 years of engineering, design, construction and public works experience from the private sector, local government and state government. As deputy director, she oversaw the Bureau of Utilities, Bureau of Engineering and Construction and Metropolitan District Financing and Petitions.
 
During her tenure as deputy director, Buckler’s responsibilities included the procurement of all design and construction contracts for Baltimore County, the development of new programs, including Green Infrastructure and Sidewalk Connectivity and the restructuring of architecture/engineering procurement to reduce the timeframe roughly in half from its previous process of more than 300 days.

Prior to joining County government, Buckler held several senior leadership positions with the Maryland Department of General Services (DGS), including as assistant secretary of design construction & energy. She began her career in the private sector working for design and construction companies headquartered in Maryland. She is a graduate of Leadership Maryland and was recognized by The Daily Record as a Leading Woman winner in 2018.
 
“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,” Buckler said. “I am thankful to County Executive Olszewski for believing in my abilities and allowing me to expand on the work began by County Administrative Officer Walker.”
 
A Baltimore County native and graduate of Loch Raven High School, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and a Master’s degree in Project Management from George Washington University.
 
Buckler’s appointment is subject to County Council approval.