Richmond Public Schools selects new Chief Talent Officer after former officer terminated

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmond Public Schools (RPS) has announced the selection of a new Chief Talent Officer, Elizabeth Veliz.

The announcement came Monday, Oct. 13, through superintendent Jason Kamras.

"I am excited to share that Elizabeth Veliz has been selected as our Chief Talent Officer with an intended start date of Wednesday, November 12," Kamras said.

This announcement comes months after RPS' former Chief Talent Officer, Maggie Clemmons was terminated for allegedly creating a toxic and discriminatory work environment by her former employees.

Clemmons was selected as Chief Talent Officer back in 2023 and was placed on administrative leave in early February after multiple employees spoke out against her during a Feb. 4 Richmond School Board meeting.

8News previous coverage: RPS employees demand action amid allegations of a toxic work environment

Veliz brings more than two decades of experience in human resources and organizational leadership, per the announcement.

"She has a strong record of rebuilding systems, strengthening culture, and driving results though clarity, accountability, and deep care for people. Her leadership is grounded in empathy strategic execution, and the belief that great work places are built through trust and high expectations," Kamras said.