With more than a dozen years of policy, advocacy, and intergovernmental relations experience, Morrison will facilitate partnership efforts with regional, state, and federal leaders.

August 29, 2025

Richmond, VA - Today, the City of Richmond announced that Ruth Morrison will serve as the City's new Director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. The office advances City priorities and policies in relationship with local, state, and federal policymakers; regional counterparts; and other governmental stakeholders.

In her dozen-plus years of experience, Morrison has worked at the federal, state, and local levels, most recently as the Policy Director of the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts. Her career has spanned various roles and institutions, including work in nonprofit innovation, electoral and advocacy training, and national environmental organizing.

"I've known Ruth for years, as a constituent in the City, also as a committed advocate and talented policy professional. She understands the complexities of the City's relationship with the General Assembly and all the critical work we must do together to improve lives in Richmond," said Delegate Betsy Carr.

"Richmond City Council is excited to work with Ms. Morrison in this new role," says Council President Cynthia Newbille. "After working together to establish Richmond's Health Equity Fund, I know that she is committed to innovative, evidence-based projects and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the work of bringing cross-sector partners together," said Richmond City Council President Cynthia Newbille.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Morrison organized initial containment operations to provide resources for some of the most at-risk populations in central Virginia. During that period of intensifying health disparities, Morrison worked with Richmond City Council to establish the Health Equity Fund, investing a combination of federal, philanthropic, corporate, and local dollars in community-rooted services for Richmond residents. Alongside partners in state government, Morrison has helped champion the critical role that doulas, community health workers, and grassroots community service providers all play in improving health outcomes for priority communities. She has been a long-time member of both the Richmond and Henrico Opioid Abatement Task Forces, maximizing the use of federal settlement dollars through the Opioid Abatement Authority on harm reduction, treatment, prevention, and recovery services. Serving on Mayor Avula's Transition Executive Team, she supported the outlining of new administration priorities and plan recommendations with dozens of community experts in healthcare access, climate and environment, transportation, and behavioral health.

"I'm thrilled to welcome Ruth, who will build the strategy to align the administration's priorities with our partners in City Council and RPS so we can advocate as one city. Her leadership, passion, and expertise will advance a thriving Richmond for every resident," said Mayor Danny Avula.

Locally, Morrison has served on several Boards and committees and led cross-sector collaboratives and coalitions, including with the YMCA Downtown, the Partnership for Housing Affordability Policy Advisory Committee, WRIR, and Mayorathon.

"What's important to me about intergovernmental work is finding the win-wins that allow us to realize systems-level changes in partnership with our colleagues at the state, across the region, and beyond." said Morrison. "That's been a throughline in my career - no matter my role or institution, we have to put together winning collaborative projects that impact the lives of our neighbors. As a resident of the City and the parent of two RPS kids, I'm grateful to be bringing my experience to City Hall, and I'm ready to get to work for all Richmonders!"

Ms. Morrison's first day with the City of Richmond will be September 29.