Department Of Economic Development
The Department of Economic Development (DED) is responsible for building the Richmond economy.
Our goals are encouraging the long-term growth and development of the City of Richmond and maximizing the city's assets and advantages without compromising the health of its neighborhoods and residents.
DED offers a set of services to businesses interested in relocating or expanding in the City of Richmond and sparking growth in strategic commercial corridors and historic neighborhoods.
FY 2022 Annual Report
The City of Richmond saw many economic development successes in FY 2022, including $552 million in capital investment and 2,237 new jobs associated with announced projects. Learn more in the Department of Economic Development FY 2022 Annual Report.
Department Directory
| Name | Title (Area of Responsibility) | Office Phone Number | Email Address |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Leonard Sledge |
Director of Economic Development |
(804) 646-7576 | Leonard.Sledge@rva.gov |
| Katie McConnell | Deputy Director of Economic Development | (804) 240-2114 | Katie.McConnell@rva.gov |
| Alecia Blackwell | Executive Assistant, Senior | (804) 646-4848 | Alecia.Blackwell@rva.gov |
| Statia Gibson | Senior Manager | (804) 646-6737 | Statia.Gibson@rva.gov |
| Rick Winston | Economic Development Programs Administrator | (804) 646-5036 | Rick.Winston@rva.gov |
| George Bolos | Economic Development Business Services Manager | (804) 646-0477 | George.Bolos@rva.gov |
| Carla Childs | Management Analyst, Senior |
(804) 646-7438 |
|
| Jacquelyn Craft | Economic Development Programs Administrator | (804) 646-1823 | Jacquelyn.Craft@rva.gov |
| Tara Worden | Business Services Manager | (804) 646-0723 | Tara.Worden@rva.gov |
| Sam Earl | Management Analyst, Senior | (804) 646-4248 | Sam.Earl@rva.gov |
| Matthew Welch | Senior Policy Advisor | (804) 646-5874 | |
| Kimberly Chen | Senior Manager | (804) 646-6364 | Kimberly.Chen@rva.gov |
| Christopher Nizamis | Economic Development Programs Administrator | (804)646-4316 | Christopher.Nizamis@rva.gov |
| Yvette Preston | Real Estate Analyst | (804) 646-7737 | Yvette.Preston@rva.gov |