May 23, 2025

DCAO Sharon Ebert to Serve as Acting CAO

Today, Mayor Danny Avula announced his nomination of Sharon Ebert to serve as Acting Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). She currently serves as the Deputy CAO (DCAO) for Planning & Economic Development.

Ebert manages several City agencies including Housing & Community Development, Economic Development, Planning & Development Review, Minority Business Development, and the Office of Sustainability. Under Ms. Ebert's tenure with Richmond, she has overseen the adoption of the Richmond 300 – A Guide for Growth and helped guide the re-organization of the City's Permitting and Inspection Bureau. Ms. Ebert has been instrumental in orchestrating the redevelopment of the city-owned 67-acre Diamond District, as well as the planning and redevelopment of the City Center Innovation District. She has over 40 years of professional experience in design, construction, urban planning, affordable housing, and economic development. She joined the City of Richmond in March 2019.

City Council will vote on her confirmation at its scheduled June 9th meeting.

"Sharon has a whip-smart, encyclopedic knowledge of what makes cities work," said Mayor Danny Avula. "I'm so thankful she's willing to step in for a short time before our new CAO officially starts. I know we're in good hands."

Henrico's Deputy County Manager for Administration to Serve as Richmond's Acting DCAO of Finance & Administration

On loan from Henrico County, W. Brandon Hinton will serve as the City's Acting DCAO for Finance & Administration.

Hinton is Henrico County's Deputy County Manager for Administration. He began his decades-long career of public service with Henrico County as an entry-level budget analyst in 2003, was named Director of the Office of Management and Budget in 2012, and was promoted to his current role in 2018.

Hinton will return to the County later this summer.

"When I reached out to the County Manager to see if he'd be open to loaning us Brandon for a couple of months, he had absolutely zero hesitation. His willingness to lend a hand and Brandon's willingness to serve his neighbors in Richmond are a great example of what we can accomplish when we work together," said Mayor Danny Avula.

Sabrina Joy-Hogg currently serves as Richmond's Interim CAO and DCAO of Finance & Administration and will do so until her last day with the City on June 6.

Mark your calendars: June 6

After a competitive national search, Mayor Danny Avula will introduce Richmond to his CAO appointee on June 6. City Council will vote on confirmation of the nominee at Council's meeting on June 9.

"Richmond, get excited! I cannot wait for you to meet your new CAO! You're going to love them, and we're going to do great things together," said Mayor Danny Avula. "I promised to conduct national search for a top-talent CAO, I've kept that promise, and I know this one is a home run."