Council approves Sabrina Joy Hogg as interim chief administrative officer

The Richmond City Council on Jan. 7, 2025, unanimously adopted a resolution consenting to Mayor Avila’s designation of Sabrina Joy Hogg as interim chief administrative officer.

Mayor Avila told the council that Sabrina Joy Hogg had been serving as deputy chief administrative officer for finance and administration and had led in the immediate transition after the December resignation of the former CEO, Lincoln Saunders. The mayor said Hogg provided “tremendous leadership in this first week” amid the city’s concurrent weather and utility crisis and that council approval is required by city code for the interim appointment.

The council held a public hearing; no members of the public signed up to speak. Several council members voiced support for a temporary appointment while reiterating that a national search for a permanent CAO is underway. Council Member Abubakar said she supported the interim appointment but emphasized the importance of conducting a national search for a permanent chief administrative officer. Council Member Jones said she had participated in an interview with the national search firm (identified in the record as the Robert Barbe group) and encouraged colleagues to give input to the search process.

Council Member Gibson said she appreciated the continuity provided by Hogg during the transition and urged the mayor to prioritize candidates with municipal experience and strong transparency and labor‑relations records for the permanent CAO role.

The council voted by roll call; each member recorded an affirmative vote. The resolution approves the mayor’s interim appointment and allows the administration to continue operating under Hogg’s interim leadership while the national recruitment proceeds.