Richmond, VA — Mayor Levar M. Stoney today announced the appointment of April N. Bingham as the next director of the Department of Public Utilities.

Bingham is the first woman to serve in this critically important role. As director, she will manage the city’s water, wastewater, storm-water and streetlight utilities. Bingham will report to the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Operations, Bob Steidel, who oversees the Departments of Public Utilities, Public Works, and the Office of Sustainability and Animal Care and Control.

Bingham came to the City in February 2020 as DPU’s deputy director for the customer service division. She replaces Alfred Scott, who has served as the interim director since the departure of former director Calvin Farr, Jr. in April.  Scott, the former deputy director for gas and streetlights, will become the general manager for Richmond Gas Works – the city’s natural gas utility.

“Mrs. Bingham developed effective partnerships and restructured the customer service division during the uncharted times and multiple challenges presented by the pandemic,” said Mayor Stoney. “Her leadership during this time, and 20 years of professional experience and success she brings to the city, make her the right choice to lead this critical public infrastructure going forward.”

Steidel touted Bingham’s leadership and dedication to customer service as key factors in her selection. “Mrs. Bingham’s experience, professionalism and passion will be great assets to the City of Richmond and I’m excited to have her in this new role,” he said.

“I’m truly humbled to be selected as the new DPU director and excited by the opportunity to further improve the customer experience and enhance DPU’s overall service delivery and workforce,” said Bingham.

Prior to joining the city, Bingham served in Washington, D.C. at the DC Water & Sewer Authority, where she oversaw the agency’s $33M meter upgrade project as the deputy program manager. She also served in the role of customer service manager for billing as well as meter and field services for a population of 120,000 water and sewer customers. Previously, she worked for Washington Gas Light Company and contributed to the improvement of its customer service operations.

Bingham earned a Bachelor’s degree in Science and Business Administration from the University of Maryland, and holds a Master’s degree in Management and Public Administration from the University of Phoenix.

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