Mayor Danny Avula Celebrates Confirmation of Odie Donald II as Chief Administrative Officer
Posted on June 09, 2025
Richmond, VA – On June 9, Richmond City Council confirmed Mayor Danny Avula's appointment of Odie Donald II as the City of Richmond's new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). Mayor Avula announced Donald's nomination on June 6, 2025 following a rigorous five-month national searched launched shortly after Mayor Avula took office on January 1. Mr. Donald currently serves as Chief of Staff to Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens.
"I am absolutely thrilled with this evening's City Council confirmation of my nominee for Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Odie Donald II. With his confirmation, Richmond gains a talented and experienced public administrator whose life story reflects our city's highest aspirations," said Mayor Danny Avula. "Odie brings both strong management and deep compassion, a combination that's essential to building a thriving Richmond. His belief in the power of local government to uplift and transform communities, and his experience doing so, are exactly what we need right now."
"I'm honored by the Council's confirmation, and deeply grateful to Mayor Avula for the opportunity to serve. From day one, we'll hit the ground running – focused on building a thriving City Hall that supports the community and delivers for Richmond's families. There's important work ahead, and I'm looking forward to partnering with the Mayor, Council, and approximately 4,000 dedicated employees to get the business of the city done," said Odie Donald.
"Richmond City Council looks forward to continuing the important work of Richmond residents and welcomes Mr. Donald to our city to serve as its Chief Administrative Officer," said Council President Newbille, Richmond City Council. "Richmond City Council looks forward to further strengthening our city and working with Mr. Donald's abilities in support and service of the needs of our community."
"Richmond is a vibrant, forward-moving city and I'm proud to support the introduction of a leader prepared to meet this moment," said U.S. Senator Tim Kaine. "The national interest in this role reflects the city's growing reputation and potential. It's exciting to think about what's ahead. I've always believed when you have the right team in the right place at the right time, great things happen."
Mr. Donald brings nearly two decades of executive-level experience in municipal government, with a track record of leading high-impact local, state, and federally funded organizations and programs. A native of Atlanta, Donald has held key leadership roles across Georgia, most recently serving as Chief of Staff to Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. In this role, he provides strategic guidance on legislative and policy issues, led major public-private partnerships resulting in more than $1.6 billion in investment, and oversaw a broad portfolio including External Affairs, Communications, Cultural Affairs, Sustainability, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and the newly created Department of Labor and Employment Services.
Previously, Donald served as City Administrator for both South Fulton and Augusta-Richmond County. In Augusta, he improved bond ratings, managed over $150 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, and spearheaded major economic development and transparency initiatives including the city's largest special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) program and its first comprehensive blight ordinance. In South Fulton, as the city's first City Manager, he built the local government from the ground up, eliminating a $25 million deficit, doubling revenues, establishing the city's first positive fund balance, and delivering its inaugural strategic plan.
Donald is also a recognized civic leader, having served as President of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators (Metro Atlanta Chapter) and on the Georgia Forward Board of Directors. A two-time Georgia State University graduate with a BA in History (2003) and a Masters in Business Administration (2012), he has been honored in Georgia Trend's 40 Under 40, Georgia State's 40 Under 40, and Who's Who in Black Atlanta. He is a recipient of the John F. Wall Award from the National Association of State Workforce Agencies.
"I am excited to see someone of this caliber stepping into the role of Chief of Administrative Officer," said Brian Anderson, President and CEO, ChamberRVA. "Mr. Donald's leadership and collaborative spirit will be key to strengthening the partnership between the City and the business community as we continue building a thriving and inclusive local economy."
"In a time of rapid changes and so much uncertainty at the federal level, it's reassuring to see someone with steady, proven leadership in multiple municipal governments with diverse populations. Mr. Donald's leadership in a vibrant, big city like Atlanta will be a real asset as Richmond continues to grow and evolve," said Tanya González, Richmond resident.
"I'm excited about Mr. Donald's background and his authentic public service dedication. He's learned what a community needs through real experience and has risen through the ranks of government on hard work and talent," said Rev. Donté McCutchen, Pastor of Greater Mount Moriah and Love Cathedral Church. "I trust he is well aligned with the values and vision we voted for in Mayor Avula and the kind of forward momentum Richmond needs right now."
"Richmond is an amazing city, and we are delighted to help welcome a new leader ready to meet its challenges and opportunities. There was enormous national interest in the Chief Administrative Officer position which speaks to the incredible dynamism and appeal of the city and its future," said Robert Bobb of the Robert Bobb Group, LLC. "The nomination of Mr. Donald reflects a strong match between the City's needs and a proven, thoughtful leader who understands what it takes to deliver results in a dynamic urban environment."
Under the City of Richmond's Charter, the mayor appoints a Chief Administrative Officer with strong executive and administrative qualifications. This person has virtually all of the formal authority to run the City's operations. The Chief Administrative Officer is responsible for personnel decisions, financial and administrative activities, and close relationships with City Council.
The expedited resolution for Mr. Donald's appointment was introduced at the June 9 by City Council meeting. Council approved the proposed salary of $365,000. Mr. Donald will begin his duties on July 9. City Council also approved Sharon Ebert as Acting Chief Administrative Officer from June 9 through July 9.
