Richmond, VA — Today, Dr. Danny Avula, Mayor-elect of the City of Richmond, kicked off a national search for a Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). The Robert Bobb Group, in partnership with PoliHire, will lead the search, and Senior Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Sabrina Joy-Hogg will be nominated to serve as Interim CAO, effective January 1, 2025.
“I’m so excited to announce that our national search for a Chief Administrative Officer begins today,” said Danny. “Richmonders deserve top-level talent who will lead an effective and accountable City Hall. This is an incredible opportunity that I know will attract truly remarkable candidates, and I can’t wait to add the right person to my team.”
About Joy-Hogg, Danny said, “There’s no doubt in my mind that Sabrina Joy-Hogg has the experience, intellect, and determination to hold down the fort during this interim period. I’ve worked closely with her throughout the transition process, and she has my complete confidence to serve as Interim CAO.”
As leader of the search process, the Robert Bobb Group (RBG) is committed to looking nationally for a talented candidate. RBG expects to finalize the CAO search within the first half of 2025. RBG’s efforts will be supported by PoliHire, which has a record of successful searches for municipal and philanthropic leadership.
“Finding the right Chief Administrative Officer is not just about qualifications—it’s about aligning vision, values, and leadership with the needs of the City of Richmond,” said Robert C. Bobb, RBG’s Founder and CEO. “Our goal is to ensure Mayor-elect Avula is supported by a leader who can drive results and build trust across all stakeholders.”
The City will post a job description and application process for the Chief Administrative Officer in the first week of January.
Also today, Danny announced that Lawson Wijesooriya will serve as his Chief of Staff.
“Lawson brings a decade and a half of experience developing and implementing strategies to lift up Richmond’s most vulnerable residents through her non-profit work,” said Danny. “She shares my values, demonstrated her incredible leadership abilities during my campaign, and knows how to get things done. She’s the first piece of the excellent, high-capacity team I’m putting together, and I’m proud to serve my neighbors alongside her in City Hall. We’re both ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work.”
About Danny: As a public health leader, pediatrician, and longtime Richmonder, Mayor-elect Dr. Danny Avula will work hard to build a Richmond where everyone’s rights are protected, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, and where no one gets left behind. He will take office on January 1, 2025.
About the Robert Bobb Group: The Robert Bobb Group, LLC is a minority-owned national consulting firm specializing in public and private sector consulting and advisory services. It offers solutions to government, military, private sector organizations, and educational institutions. Its excellence in strategic planning and knowledge of city government ensures searches return the best and the right candidate.
About Sabrina Joy-Hogg: Sabrina Joy-Hogg is the Senior Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Finance and Administration at the City of Richmond. Prior to that, she served as the Deputy City Manager for the City of Charlotte and the Chief Deputy City Manager for the City of Norfolk.
About Lawson Wijesooriya: Lawson Wijesooriya is the Chief of Staff for Richmond’s 81st Mayor, Dr. Danny Avula. Before leading his successful bid for mayor as campaign manager, Wijesooriya spent 15 years leading local non-profits—with a focus on strategy and community development—to serve some of the city’s most vulnerable residents. She graduated from the University of Virginia as a Phi Beta Kappa Jefferson Scholar and is a mother of two high schoolers.