Transportation secretary Swaim-Staley to step down

No replacement named

Maryland Transportation Secretary Beverley Swaim-Staley, the state's first woman in that role, said Monday that she is stepping down on July 1.

Swaim-Staley, who has spent 25 years as a state employee, was appointed secretary in September 2009. Before that she served as deputy transportation secretary from 2007 to 2009. Previously, as deputy secretary from 1999 to 2003, she directed all operations at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Gov. Martin O'Malley praised Swaim-Staley for her leadership and management skills.

"With her strong background in both finance and transportation, Beverley guided our transportation efforts during the most difficult economic downturn this country has faced in generations," O'Malley said in a statement.

O'Malley did not name a replacement, and Swaim-Staley did not give a reason for her resignation.

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