A manager at the Baltimore City Department of Transportation who created a "toxic environment" and "led to increased stress amongst employees" is no longer employed by the city, according to the Office of the Inspector General.The OIG investigated a complaint about management issues at the DOT that alleged a manager publicly humiliated and demeaned employees.The OIG said it interviewed more than 50 current and former DOT employees, employees of other city and state agencies and private-sector employees, all of whom had contact with DOT administration. The manager subject of the investigation chose not to speak with the OIG as part of the investigation.The OIG said in a letter that "an overwhelming number of those (interviewed) described instances where the manager engaged in demeaning behavior toward DOT employees. Witnesses provided examples where the manager made statements in meeting which diminished the expertise and experience of DOT employees. The manager referred to the employees as unqualified and questioned their professional judgment during meetings. Witnesses reported the manager's criticism of DOT employees often exceeded the bounds of professional conduct, bordering on personal attacks. Witnesses said the manager threatened the job security of senior DOT staff."The OIG cited an increase in turnover of DOT managers and found an impact on attendance and professional performance."Employees reported the toxic environment affected their physical and mental health," the OIG's letter stated.Additionally, the department has new leadership after Michelle Pourciau, who was appointed transportation director by former Mayor Catherine Pugh, resigned in April. Frank Murphy had been installed as the DOT's acting director and Mayor Jack Young has since designated Steve Sharkey to be the director.

A manager at the Baltimore City Department of Transportation who created a "toxic environment" and "led to increased stress amongst employees" is no longer employed by the city, according to the Office of the Inspector General.



The OIG investigated a complaint about management issues at the DOT that alleged a manager publicly humiliated and demeaned employees.


The OIG said it interviewed more than 50 current and former DOT employees, employees of other city and state agencies and private-sector employees, all of whom had contact with DOT administration. The manager subject of the investigation chose not to speak with the OIG as part of the investigation.

The OIG said in a letter that "an overwhelming number of those (interviewed) described instances where the manager engaged in demeaning behavior toward DOT employees. Witnesses provided examples where the manager made statements in meeting which diminished the expertise and experience of DOT employees. The manager referred to the employees as unqualified and questioned their professional judgment during meetings. Witnesses reported the manager's criticism of DOT employees often exceeded the bounds of professional conduct, bordering on personal attacks. Witnesses said the manager threatened the job security of senior DOT staff."

The OIG cited an increase in turnover of DOT managers and found an impact on attendance and professional performance.

"Employees reported the toxic environment affected their physical and mental health," the OIG's letter stated.

Additionally, the department has new leadership after Michelle Pourciau, who was appointed transportation director by former Mayor Catherine Pugh, resigned in April. Frank Murphy had been installed as the DOT's acting director and Mayor Jack Young has since designated Steve Sharkey to be the director.