RICHMOND, Va. — In a near-unanimous vote, Richmond City Council confirmed Odie Donald II as the city's next Chief Administrative Officer on Monday night.
Donald is coming to Richmond from Atlanta, where he is currently serving as Mayor Andre Dickens' chief of staff.
“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,” Donald said.
Mayor Danny Avula announced Donald's nomination on Friday after a national search and spoke to CBS 6 after Donald was confirmed.
"Obviously I was really thrilled to see the vote come through as it did and now we have a date, July 9, that Odie will be joining us in Richmond," Avula said. "The real work will start when he gets here."
The work will begin with a series of issue, with recent water problems top-of-mind for Richmonders, as well as a series of management issues with the city's finance department.
"That is something that I put at the top of the list. Infrastructure is obviously going to be another priority that we’ve had a number of conversations about," Avula added.
Council member Kenya Gibson who represents the 3rd District abstained, citing concerns at the speed which Donald was selected.
"When we rush a decision this important, we risk undermining public trust in the longevity of any appointment that we make," she said.
Ellen Robertson, who represents the 6th District, shared similar criticism.
"I would like a little bit more time than Friday afternoon and Monday to have a little bit more of dialogue with this person," Robertson said.
Other members said the city was ready to have someone take a permanent role.
"We don't need a continuance, we need a CAO tonight," council member Reva Trammel (8th District) said.
"I am going to support this nomination, but know that will come with a great deal of accountability because with a great salary, and justifiably so, he is very qualified, it comes with a great deal of responsibility," Sarah Abubaker (4th District) said.
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