Richmond, VA - The City of Richmond is proud to announce the appointment of Al Wiggins, Jr. as the new Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO) for Operations. A seasoned local government executive and U.S. Air Force veteran, Wiggins brings more than 22 years of proven leadership experience in city and county governments to the role. Wiggins currently serves as Senior Advisor to the Chief Operating Officer for the City of Atlanta, where he oversees major operational projects, including the City's preparation for the 2026 World Cup, and managing compliance of the city's $750 million Moving Atlanta Forward infrastructure initiative.

Mr. Wiggins' recent posts include pivotal leadership roles during some of Atlanta's most pressing operational challenges. He was appointed Commissioner of the Department of Public Works at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and stabilized essential services while leading more than 550 employees and managed a $100 million budget. In Atlanta, Mr. Wiggins emphasized transparency, accountability, and performance optimization by introducing real-time fleet tracking, a centralized command center to improve responsiveness to residents, and quality assurance practices that validated service delivery and cut down on waste. His leadership and operational focus centered on improving community trust, including reducing blight in neighborhoods, responding directly to residents' concerns, and ensuring resources were deployed equitably across service zones.

He was later appointed Interim Commissioner of the Department of Watershed Management during a period of environmental and infrastructure crisis. In that role, Mr. Wiggins directed emergency response during widespread water main breaks, launched an AI-driven leak detection program, and led the city back into federal compliance. The Department of Watershed Management has a $1.2 billion capital portfolio, a $700 million operations budget, and a workforce of more than 1,500 employees.

"Mr. Wiggins is an operational Swiss Army knife, a seasoned leader with more than two decades of experience in government operations and public service," said Odie Donald, Chief Administrative Officer. "His path from exemplary Air Force service to diverse leadership experiences in both cities and counties, and overall knack for service delivery will make him someone the City of Richmond can count on."

"I am honored to join the City of Richmond and contribute to the Mayor's vision for a thriving Richmond," said Wiggins. "Operational excellence is the key to a government that works smoothly and efficiently every single day, and I look forward to partnering with colleagues across the city to deliver the high-quality services that residents deserve."

"I'm excited to welcome Mr. Wiggins to Richmond," said Mayor Danny Avula. "His leadership experience, dedication, and service mindset will round out the leadership team and help us strengthen the city's foundation for a thriving future."

Mr. Wiggins began his public service career as a police officer, later advancing through roles in code enforcement, public works, and executive leadership across the metro Atlanta area. He also served as City Manager of Forest Park, Georgia, where he eliminated a $1 million budget shortfall, reformed the city's pension system, and secured a $42 million Clorox expansion project. As Deputy City Manager for the City of Chamblee, he led a Priority-Based Budgeting program, recovered over $500,000 in unpaid taxes, and oversaw the successful completion of more than a dozen key capital projects.

Mr. Wiggins' first day with the City of Richmond will be August 28, 2025.