In a maneuver typically reserved for the professional sports realm, local government administrators have turned the bureaucratic tables, initiating an unconventional 'trade' of key personnel between Baltimore and Prince William County.
Months after Baltimore's own Chris Shorter assumed his new role as Prince William County's County Executive, Adam Manne, formerly a stalwart in the Virginian county, has been declared the proverbial 'player to be named later,' taking up his new mantle as the Chief Procurement Officer for the City of Baltimore.
This unexpected switcheroo has not only created ripples within the municipal realm, but also infused a degree of sports-like excitement to the usually sedate world of local government operations.
These public-sector 'trades' came about after both parties recognized a need to shake up their respective rosters.
"Certainly, we didn't anticipate the similarity to a major league trade deal," said Mayor Brandon M. Scott, "But it's the off-season for us too, and we're playing hardball in improving our operational efficiencies."
The 'trade' was consummated when Shorter, the former Baltimore City Administrator, known for his strategic planning and transformative management, was appointed as County Executive of Prince William County, in a move that felt like a multi-million-dollar signing of an All-Star shortstop.
Chair At-Large Ann Wheeler likened the situation to a free agent deal, stating, "After an exhaustive national search, akin to a top-tier scouting operation, we've landed a real MVP in Mr. Shorter. His robust track record will undoubtedly help us in hitting our goals out of the park."
Riding high on the waves of Shorter's transfer, the Prince William County team seemed content with their new signing, leaving everyone to speculate who would be the 'player to be named later' in this cross-jurisdictional exchange.
The answer arrived in the form of Adam Manne, the long-serving Chief Procurement Officer from Prince William County. Manne was 'traded' to the City of Baltimore, taking the helm as their new Chief Procurement Officer.
"Getting Adam Manne feels like we've acquired a top-of-the-line pitcher," said Mayor Scott, "We're more than confident that his expert handling of our procurement processes will lead to a winning streak in efficiency and savings for our city."
Manne is known for throwing curveballs in the procurement process that have saved his county millions of dollars. He also led the implementation of several successful software systems, winning the equivalent of a Golden Glove award in public procurement along the way.
When asked about this peculiar series of events, Manne, decked out in a crisp, new Baltimore City baseball cap, chuckled, "Well, I've never hit a home run or caught a fly ball in my life, but I'm ready to step up to the plate for the City of Baltimore."
Although it remains to be seen how these 'trades' will ultimately play out on the field of public administration, one thing is certain - this year, local government officials have had to swap their business suits for baseball jerseys. In a world often governed by bureaucracy, these 'trades' have given public service a thrilling sense of sporting rivalry, injecting a dose of fun into the often serious business of running a city or county.
And as in any good baseball game, local residents are grabbing their Cracker Jack, sitting back, and excitedly watching the unfolding action between their favorite, newly traded, civic players.
