Acting County Executive Deandra L. Walker said she began serving as Baltimore County’s acting county executive at 9 a.m. and will remain in the role until the County Council votes on who will serve the remaining two years of Johnny Olszewski’s term.

"According to our County Charter, as of 9 AM today, I will be serving as your acting County Executive," Walker said. She told listeners that all Baltimore County agencies and departments have been preparing for the transition to ensure county services continue uninterrupted.

Walker said county senior leadership is "on the pulse of daily operations," and that police, fire and emergency medical services "will continue to respond to calls and protect our communities." She thanked Baltimore County employees for their work during the change in leadership and said the administration is prepared to "guarantee continuity and stability in governance during this time of transition."

Walker described the next formal step as a County Council vote to select who will fulfill the remainder of Olszewski’s term; she did not provide a date for that vote. She also said she would serve in the acting role until the Council’s choice is sworn into office.

The announcement followed Walker’s reference to Olszewski’s move to the U.S. House of Representatives; Walker thanked him for his service and said she expects him to continue advocating for Baltimore County at the federal level.

No formal motions or votes were recorded in the transcript excerpt provided, and the County Council’s timeline for selecting and swearing in a successor was not specified.