Richmond officials have permanently appointed five department directors, a move they say will strengthen leadership and improve city operations. The appointees, who previously served in interim or deputy roles, bring experience in public policy, communications, housing, utilities and general services.

“Transforming City Hall into an organization residents can rely on requires leaders who bring both expertise and passion to their roles,” Mayor Danny Avula said. “I’m thrilled to welcome these leaders—who do just that—to the team.”

Overseeing the city’s relationships with state and federal agencies, the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs will now be led by Maggie Anderson. She previously served as Mayor Levar Stoney’s chief of staff and was the city’s first LGBTQ+ liaison.

With more than a decade of experience in public policy, Anderson has worked at the local, state and federal levels and holds a master’s in public policy from the University of Virginia.

The city’s communications efforts will be directed by Ross Catrow, who moves into the role after serving as deputy director of the Office of Strategic Communications.

He previously led public outreach for the Richmond and Henrico health districts during the pandemic and served as executive director of RVA Rapid Transit. Catrow, a Virginia Tech graduate with a degree in mathematics, also has worked in state government.

Managing Richmond’s real estate, fleet and parking services, the Department of General Services will be led by Gail Johnson. She has spent more than two decades with the city, most recently as senior deputy director for the Department of Public Works, where she oversaw financial operations exceeding $266 million.

Johnson also has held leadership roles in the departments of Finance and Utilities and worked with the Richmond Police Department. She has a finance degree from Virginia Commonwealth University.

The city’s efforts to expand affordable housing will continue under Merrick Malone, who takes over as director of the Department of Housing and Community Development. Before serving as acting director, Malone led housing initiatives in Washington, D.C., including as deputy mayor for economic development. His background includes real estate development and urban planning and he has a law degree from Georgetown University.

As previously announced, Public Utilities will now be overseen by Scott Morris, who previously directed water operations at the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. Additionally, Deputy Chief

Administrative Officer Traci DeShazor has announced her resignation at the end of March. Throughout her tenure, she has led the city’s human services portfolio and worked to support vulnerable residents.