Prince William County Hires Baltimore Administrator As New Executive

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA — Prince William County announced its new executive this week. Christopher Shorter will take over as county executive on Jan. 3, 2023.

Chris Martino had served as the county executive for 5 years prior to his retirement at the end of 2021. This year, Deputy County Executive Elijah Johnson served as the acting County Executive.

Shorter has spent the last two years the City Administrator for Baltimore, Maryland. He has 18 years of experience in local government.

"After an extensive nationwide search, we are excited to welcome Mr. Shorter to Prince William County," Chair At-Large Ann Wheeler said in a news release. "His comprehensive knowledge and insights of local government, along with a proven record of making positive changes in government operations and roles, will be an asset in advancing Prince William County to a successful and exciting future."

In Baltimore, Shorter managed the city's 6,200-person workforce. He also led the development for the city's strategic plan and worked on several projects, including a cabinet on sustainability and resilience.

Shorter was the first person to serve as the city administrator in Baltimore. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott established the position in 2020.

"Years before I became mayor it was clear to me that Baltimore needed to join most major cities in having a city administrator to oversee key functions of government and ensure that city operations were effectively managed and executed to best serve our constituents," Mayor Scott said in a news release. "In just under two years, Baltimore has seen tremendous strides, much of it due to Chris' transformational leadership."

In the same release, Shorter reflected on his time in Baltimore.

"I am immensely grateful for the vision Mayor Scott had to create this role and for the confidence he had in me to fill it," Shorter said in a statement. "I am truly fortunate to have served as Baltimore's first city administrator and honored to have played a part in creating a healthier, stronger and more equitable Baltimore."

Shorter will receive a starting yearly salary of $350,000, according to the Prince William County government.