BALTIMORE, MD (Tuesday, March 30, 2021) -- Today at 7:15PM, Mayor Brandon M. Scott will swear in and officially appoint Christopher J. Shorter as the first-ever City Administrator of Baltimore. The appointment follows last week’s City Council confirmation of Shorter. 

Christopher J. Shorter has served the Scott administration as Acting City Administrator since January. As City Administrator, Shorter will oversee city agencies and ensure the day-to-day operations of city government are efficient, effective and reliable.

“Over the last few months, Chris Shorter has been dedicated to effectively, reliably, and equitably delivering services to Baltimore residents,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “As my administration remains focused on fixing what’s broken and laying the groundwork for a more transparent, accountable city government, I am proud to work closely with Mr. Shorter on behalf of our residents.”

Shorter formerly served as Assistant City Manager for the City of Austin, overseeing a portfolio of departments that support Health, Environment, Culture and Lifelong Learning. In Austin, Shorter played a pivotal role in the City’s COVID-19 response and issues around homelessness and support for vulnerable populations. Previously, Shorter served as Director of the DC Department of Public Works, where he oversaw the expansion of the District’s environmental sustainability portfolio and led the introduction of advanced technology to transform DPW’s operations.

Shorter also served as the Director of Agency Operations in the Office of the City Administrator within the District and provided direct oversight of the offices of Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining, Performance Management and Agency Operations. He also served as Chief Operating Officer for the DC Department of Health. He received a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Public & International Affairs and a Bachelor of Science degree in economics from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University in Tallahassee, Florida.

The swearing-in will be livestreamed on the Mayor’s Facebook page. Members of the press can acquire broadcast-quality video and high-quality photographs of the event by contacting sydney.burns@baltimorecity.gov.