Today, Mayor Danny Avula announced that Sharon Ebert will serve as the Acting Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for Richmond. Ebert, currently the Deputy CAO for Planning & Economic Development, manages several city agencies and has been involved in significant projects such as the Richmond 300 growth guide and the redevelopment of the Diamond District. She joined Richmond’s administration in March 2019 and brings over 40 years of experience in urban planning and economic development. The City Council is set to vote on her confirmation on June 9.
“Sharon has a whip-smart, encyclopedic knowledge of what makes cities work,” stated Mayor Avula. “I’m so thankful she’s willing to step in for a short time before our new CAO officially starts.”
In addition, W. Brandon Hinton from Henrico County will serve as Richmond’s Acting Deputy CAO for Finance & Administration. Hinton, who started his career with Henrico County in 2003 and currently serves as Deputy County Manager for Administration, will temporarily fill this role until he returns to Henrico 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,” said Mayor Avula.
Sabrina Joy-Hogg is currently serving as Richmond’s Interim CAO and DCAO of Finance & Administration until her last day on June 6.
Mayor Avula plans to introduce his appointee for CAO on June 6 following a national search. The City Council will then vote on their confirmation on June 9.
“Richmond, get excited! I cannot wait for you to meet your new CAO!” said Mayor 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.”
