Richmond appoints finance department’s new leader
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmond leaders have chosen a woman they described as a "powerhouse in municipal finance and operations" to lead the city's Department of Finance.
On Wednesday, July 23, the city of Richmond announced that Letitia Shelton will be its new Director of Finance.
Though she most recently served as Virginia Beach's Director of Finance, she's a native of the River City who spent nearly two decades working within Richmond's government in various roles.
"Ms. Shelton is a powerhouse in municipal finance and operations and we are incredibly blessed to have her return to Richmond for this critical leadership role,” said chief administrative officer Odie Donald, II, in a press release. “She brings a much-needed combination of technical expertise, executive leadership and deep roots in Richmond. Most importantly, she shares my people-first, people-always mindset and brings thoughtful, collaborative leadership that will truly benefit the entire organization.”
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In total, Shelton has more than 30 years of experience in public sector finance, per the release. While serving in Virginia Beach, she oversaw accounting, purchasing, risk and debt management, payroll and financial system services, among other important finance functions.
Letitia Shelton, Richmond's Director of Finance as of Aug. 6, 2025. (Photo: City of Richmond)
“Richmond is home and where I started my career," Shelton said in the release. "It’s where I learned the power of public service. I’m thrilled to return and contribute to a city I care so deeply about that gave me so much. Together with a strong team, I look forward to building systems that support efficiency, accountability, and long-term sustainability. Residents deserve nothing less.”
Shelton's appointment comes after the previous Director of Finance, Sheila White, tendered her resignation. She did so amid a string of controversies within the Department of Finance. This included a faulty tax rebate check process impacting 60,000 residents, real estate tax bills being sent to the wrong payees and hundreds incorrectly receiving personal property tax bills.
On her way out, White said that the Department of Finance was on the path to improvement, but still had many issues -- including what she called “pockets of secrecy and sabotage.”
Shelton will officially assume her role on Wednesday, Aug. 6.
