BDC headed in right direction despite staff turnover, mayor says
Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake attributed the high turnover at the Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) – The Brew reported that five senor staffers have resigned or announced their resignations in the last month – as part of a normal transition when new leadership is installed in an agency.
“I think we’re definitely headed in the right direction and we have a lot of positive projects going forward,” she said when asked today whether she had full confidence in Brenda McKenzie, whom she appointed president and CEO of the BDC from a mid-level post at the Boston Redevelopment Authority.
Change Happens
“I think anytime you have a relatively new agency head or division head, there is a period of assessment and after that, I don’t think you’ll find instances where there aren’t changes,” Rawlings-Blake said.
Brenda McKenzie was appointed by Mayor Rawlings-Blake in late 2012 to replace retiring M. Jay Brodie. (Photo by Fern Shen)
Asked if the loss of top economic liaisons for both Harbor Point and the Westside “Superblock” will hurt projects that she has strongly backed, the mayor said:
“Change happens. . . When people have other opportunities that they want to pursue, I make it clear to everyone that I am always grateful that they gave their best to this administration and to the city, but if they have a better opportunity, I will never stand in their way.”
She added, “I’m optimistic, and I am looking forward to good things coming out of the BDC in the future.”