The City of Richmond announced the permanent appointment of five directors who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to public service. These appointments strengthen the City of Richmond's leadership team with experienced professionals dedicated to advancing the City's commitment to building a responsive, effective, and accountable City Hall staffed with talented professionals dedicated to serving Richmond residents.
"Transforming City Hall into an organization residents can rely on requires leaders who bring both expertise and passion to their roles," said Mayor Danny Avula, "I'm thrilled to welcome these leaders-who do just that-to the team."
"Each of these individuals has already proven their ability to deliver results for Richmond. By making their appointments permanent, we're ensuring continuity in our efforts to make Richmond a healthy, thriving city for all our residents" said Interim Chief Administrative Officer Sabrina Joy-Hogg.
Today, the City also announced the resignation of Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Traci DeShazor. "Traci's tireless advocacy for our most vulnerable residents has made Richmond a more equitable city," said Joy-Hogg. "Her leadership in human services has created lasting positive change that will benefit Richmond families for years to come. I thank her for all she has done and wish her well in the future."
Maggie Anderson, Director of the Office of Intergovernmental
Affairs Maggie will bring extensive experience in policy development and implementation to building and strengthening the City's partnerships with a diverse set of stakeholder groups. Prior to accepting this role, Maggie served as Mayor Levar Stoney's Chief of Staff. She also served as the City's first LGBTQ+ Liaison and continues that work today. Maggie brings over a decade of public policy experience, including at the local, state, and federal level. Previously, Maggie worked for Senator Mark Warner in Washington, DC as a Legislative Correspondent managing the agriculture, environment, budget and appropriations policy portfolio. Maggie also has a Masters in Public Policy from the University of Virginia and is the co-author of A Courageous Fool: Marie Deans and her Struggle Against the Death Penalty. She also was a recipient of the 2024 American Society for Public Administration's National Public Service Award.
Ross Catrow, Director of the Office of Strategic Communications
Ross will bring diverse experience, unique perspective, and a deep love for Richmond to the City's internal and external communications. Prior to accepting this role, Ross was the Deputy Director for the City's Office of Strategic Communications. Previously, he served in state government as the Director of Communications for the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts. He's most proud the work the Health District did during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep the public updated with ever-changing vaccination information. Ross holds a BS in mathematics from Virginia Tech and was previously the executive director of RVA Rapid Transit, a local non-profit that advocates for frequent and far-reaching public transit in the Richmond region. He'd rather be riding (one of) his bike(s).
Gail Johnson, Director of the Department of General Services
Gail brings over two decades of experience with the City of Richmond to the work of optimizing the City's real estate portfolio, fleet, and parking services. Prior to accepting this role, Gail was the Customer Service Manager in both the Department of Finance and Utilities, Program Manager for the Richmond Police Department, and for the last 10 years, she has been the Senior Deputy Director for the Department of Public Works. As the Sr. Deputy Director, Gail was responsible for managing the department's financial operations, which included a budget of over $266M. She was also responsible for the oversight of the City's Fleet and Facilities' divisions. She has also held leadership roles for the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transportation Authority (MARTA) in Atlanta. She received a Finance degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and is a graduate of the Senior Executive Institute at University of Virginia's Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service. Gail is a member of VGFOA, GFOA, ICMA, and is currently the President of the Central Virginia Chapter of NFBPA. She is a native of Richmond with over 23 years of service with the City of Richmond.
Merrick Malone, Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development
Merrick will lead the City's housing efforts, including its focus on affordable housing. Prior to accepting this role, Merrick served as the City of Richmond's Acting Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). Before coming to Richmond, Malone served as President of DC Housing Enterprises, a subsidiary of the District of Columbia Housing Authority, leading the development, and modernization project team. From 1998 to 2010, Malone was a Principal and EVP of Metropolis Development Company, a Washington D.C. based real estate development firm, which developed urban mixed use residential and retail projects. Malone's extensive experience includes his tenure as Deputy Mayor for Economic Development and Director of Housing and Community Development for the District of Columbia, where he negotiated landmark developments like the Capital One Arena and Black Entertainment Television's Corporate Offices. Merrick holds a JD from Georgetown University, is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, a past president of the District of Columbia Building Industry Association (DCBIA), and past Chair of the Board of Commissioners for the Alexandria Housing and Redevelopment Authority. He has also co-authored several Urban Land Institute publications.
Scott Morris, Director of the Department of Public Utilities (previously announced)
Prior to accepting this role, Scott served as Director of Water at the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) as well as Chief Deputy at the agency. He previously held a series of roles with progressively increasing leadership responsibility in the Chesterfield County Utilities Department over a decade of service and spent four years working in wastewater plant operations for the City of Richmond. Morris is a decorated veteran of the United States Navy. He graduated from the naval nuclear program. His final duty station was the USS Enterprise (CVN-65). He earned a Doctorate of Business Administration degree from Liberty University, a Master's in Information Services degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, a Bachelor of Science in Applied Science and Technology with an area of study in Nuclear Engineering Technology from Thomas Edison State College, and an Association of Science degree in Wastewater and Technology from Mountain Empire Community College.
Additionally, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Traci DeShazor has announced her resignation at the end of March. Throughout her tenure at the City of Richmond, Traci has served tirelessly in her role leading the City's Human Services portfolio and has done an outstanding job serving, supporting, and creating opportunities for the most vulnerable residents. She has shown a deep commitment to the City and its residents.
