Danny served the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts for 12 years, including as the Director for six years. He championed efforts to address maternal and childhood health, access to reproductive care, community safety, and the root causes that shape health for all of us—especially poverty and race.

A practicing pediatrician at Chippenham Hospital, Danny understands families’ deepest concerns for their children and the unjust way our current systems limit the ability of many to thrive. 

In January 2021, Governor Northam appointed Danny to lead the statewide COVID-19 vaccination effort. Danny jumpstarted a struggling rollout and elevated Virginia from 50th to one of the top 10 most-vaccinated states in the country, saving countless lives. 

As Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Social Services, Danny implemented key changes to support families across Virginia and to create more sustainable pathways out of poverty. He expanded resources through successful legislative advocacy, laid the groundwork and began the process of replacing outdated IT systems, and ensured employees statewide had the necessary training to offer responsive, high-quality service.

A father of five, Danny and his wife, Mary Kay, have lived in Richmond’s East End for 20 years. Mary Kay is a teacher at RPS’s Chimborazo Elementary, and their five children are proud Richmond Public Schools students or alumni.

Danny was named one of Richmond’s “Top Docs” each year from 2013-2022, a Richmond Times-Dispatch Person of the Year in 2019, and Style Weekly’s Richmonder of the Year in 2020.

On January 1, 2025, he will take office as Mayor of the City of Richmond.