Richmond City Council has named RJ Warren as its new chief of staff.

Warren, who has nearly 18 years of public service experience, was appointed by council resolution on May 12. He is set to begin his new role June 2.

Warren currently serves as deputy city clerk in the Richmond City Council Office of the City Clerk, a position he has held since 2019. Before that, he spent more than 11 years with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit in various roles.

As chief of staff, Warren will support the City Council in its legislative duties, which include drafting and amending local laws, overseeing government policy and helping develop the city’s budget.

A graduate of Roanoke College in Salem, Va., Warren also completed the Foundations of Management for the U.S. Courts Certification at the Federal Judicial Center in Washington, D.C.

City Council members also expressed appreciation to Matthew Slaats for serving as interim chief of staff during the recruitment process.

The Office of Council Chief of Staff is one of six council offices and among approximately 50 boards and commissions reporting to Richmond City Council.