Avula nominates Atlanta official to lead Richmond’s City Hall

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Mayor Danny Avula has announced that a Georgia mayor's chief of staff is his pick for Richmond's next chief administrative officer.

The hunt for City Hall's next leader began after former chief administrative officer Lincoln Saunders tendered his resignation in December 2024 after eight years serving Richmond. Avula, who was set to take office shortly thereafter, soon began a nationwide campaign to find Saunders' replacement.

The chief administrative officer is a top official in Richmond who holds "virtually all of the formal authority to run the city’s operations," according to the city. They are responsible for "personnel decisions, financial and administrative activities and close relationships with City Council."

On Friday, June 6, Avula named Odie Donald, II -- who currently serves as Chief of Staff for Mayor Andre Dickens in Atlanta, Georgia -- as his nominee for that role.

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"Odie Donald is a talented and experienced public administrator with a compelling life story that speaks to Richmond’s highest aspirations," Avula said in a press release. "He believes in effective and responsible public management, and in the necessity of local government to uplift and transform lives. His combination of strong management and deep compassion is exactly what is needed to realize our vision of a thriving Richmond that leaves no one behind."

Donald, an Atlanta native, has two decades of experience in executive government roles. In addition to his current position, he has served as city administrator in Georgia's South Fulton and Augusta-Richmond counties, according to the city.

He was also South Fulton's first city manager, where he "built the local government from the ground up" by eliminating a $25 million deficit, among other contributions, the city said.

The city also describes Donald as a "recognized civic leader" who has received multiple awards and honors. He was president of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators and has also served on the Georgia Forward Board of Directors.

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“I’m deeply honored by Mayor Danny Avula’s trust in me to serve the people of Richmond as Chief Administrative Officer," Donald said in the release. "Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about building strong, effective teams that truly deliver for residents — from streamlining services and improving infrastructure to fostering economic development that benefits everyone. Richmond has incredible potential, and I’m excited to work alongside the talented City staff and dynamic City Council to, together, build a strong foundation for thriving neighborhoods, an efficient City Hall and a city where every resident has the opportunity to succeed."

The resolution to appoint him will be reviewed by Richmond City Council on June 9. Under that resolution as drafted, his salary will be set at $365,000, according to the city.

If appointed, Donald will officially begin serving as chief administrative officer on July 9.

Avula has needed to appoint two interim chief administrative officers amid his search for Saunders' formal replacement. Sabrina Joy-Hogg resigned from not only that role, but all work with the city after just five months in said role. Sharon Ebert was then chosen to fill in as of late May.