Today, City Council will meet to review Mayor Danny Avula's nominees for both the Acting Chief Administrative Officer and permanent Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). Keep reading to learn more about the process!

Why do we need an acting CAO?

The day-to-day work of Richmond city government requires a CAO: They provide final approval on a wide variety of administrative items and also needs to be available 24/7 in the case of an emergency. In fact, when the CAO leaves town, we temporarily designate a deputy as the "acting CAO" in case something requiring immediate response comes up.

Because there will be some time between Mr. Donald's confirmation and start date — which is standard for people moving from one leadership position to another — the City will need an Acting CAO to keep us on track. Mayor Avula has nominated Ms. Sharon Ebert, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Economic and Community Development, for that acting position.

Thank you for your service!

"I'm so grateful to Ms. Ebert for her willingness to take on this expanded responsibility, and I have full confidence in her ability to fulfill the duties of the Acting CAO role with excellence and professionalism. I'm also absolutely thrilled to introduce Mr. Donald to City Council and the residents of the City of Richmond. I'm looking forward to working with Mr. Donald as my partner in building a thriving Richmond that leaves no one behind," said Mayor Danny Avula.

Timeline

• June 6, Outgoing Acting CAO Sabrina Joy-Hogg departs. Mayor Danny Avula announces nominee for CAO, Odie Donald II.
• June 9, Richmond City Council reviews the mayor's Acting CAO and permanent CAO nominations. City Council votes to confirm the nominations.
• June 9 - July 9, Pending confirmation, Ms. Sharon Ebert serves as Acting CAO.
• July 9, CAO nominee, Odie Donald II joins the City of Richmond as permanent CAO. Ms. Ebert continues her role as DCAO.