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Richmond council confirms Odie Donald as chief administrative officer; one councilmember abstains
Summary
The Richmond City Council voted to confirm Odie Donald as the city's chief administrative officer after Mayor presented results of a national search. Councilmember Gibson abstained, citing process and transparency concerns. The council also consented to Sharon Ebert serving as interim CAO until Donald assumes the position.
Mayor presented Odie Donald as the nominee for chief administrative officer after a national search and described his municipal experience and work on workforce and housing initiatives. "I am thrilled to tell you that we have found that leader," the mayor said, summarizing Donald's experience in South Fulton and Augusta, and his work in larger localities.
Multiple community leaders and organizations spoke in support. Bridal Anderson, president and CEO of the Chamber of RVA, praised the search process and Donaldcalling him "highly qualified, experienced, caring, and empathetic." Charles Willis of United Communities Against Crime also urged council to approve the appointment and emphasized Donald's experience on housing and workforce issues.
Councilmembers debated the timing and transparency of the confirmation process. Councilmember Gibson said she supported the nomineebut objected to the expedited timeline and limited opportunity for council and the public to vet the contract documents. "I am going to abstain from today's vote," Gibson said, citing due diligence and public accountability.
The council voted to adopt the resolution consenting to the mayor's appointment of Odie Donald as chief administrative officer and to approve compensation. Roll call recorded Miss Gibson: abstain; Miss Jones: aye; Miss Robertson: aye; Miss Lynch: aye; Miss Trammell: aye; Miss Abubakar: aye; Vice President Jordan: aye; President Newbill: aye. The resolution was adopted with one abstention.
Separately, the council also expedited and adopted a resolution consenting to the mayor's designation of Sharon Ebert as interim chief administrative officer while the permanent CAO transition proceeds. The council voted unanimously to approve Ebert's interim designation. The mayor said Ebert has served as deputy chief administrative officer for economic and community development for six years and had agreed to serve on an interim basis.
Councilmembers urged close collaboration, oversight and follow-up. Several members asked for regular briefings and clear channels for accountability as the administration transitions to new leadership.
Actions taken at the meeting included an expedited, unanimous consent to appoint Sharon Ebert as interim CAO and a separate, expedited confirmation of Odie Donald as CAO (council roll call recorded above).
