Mayor Jones Announcement

Mayor Dwight C Jones announced today that he has designated Suzette P. Denslow to be his Chief of Staff. David M. Hicks will serve as his Senior Policy Analyst. In announcing his choices for these key positions, Mayor Dwight Jones stated, “I am very pleased that these two individuals have agreed to serve in these key positions. Both individuals possess valued backgrounds and expertise in the operations of Richmond and municipal government. Their experience will be invaluable in moving Richmond forward."

Kathy Graziano, the newly-elected Council President stated, “I am very excited about the selection of Suzette Denslow as Chief of Staff and David Hicks as Senior Policy Analyst. I have worked with both individuals before and know them to be very capable. I look forward to working with Suzette, David and Mayor Jones.”

Suzette Denslow is a native of Richmond and has a B.S. in Urban Studies from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Virginia. She has extensive experience in local government having worked for the Virginia Municipal League for over a decade. Prior to working with the Virginia Municipal league, Suzette worked for the cities of Richmond and Charlottesville. Suzette also spent two years working for the Tennessee Municipal League as the Executive Director. Most recently Suzette served as the Legislative Director and Deputy Director of Policy under Governors Mark Warner and Timothy Kaine. Suzette has served in Governor Doug Wilder’s administration as the Deputy Secretary of Education and also with the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) where she established tremendous background related to educational funding and policy. Her public service as also extended to serving many years as a member of the Richmond City Library Board.

Governor Tim Kaine issued the following statement regarding Suzette’s appointment: “I have worked with Suzette Denslow in various capacities since I was elected to Richmond City Council in 1994. I can’t think of a more devoted public servant or a more passionate advocate for the City of Richmond. We will miss her in the Governor’s Office, but are excited to see her assume this new leadership role with Mayor Jones.”

David M. Hicks, a New Jersey native, received a B.A. in Economics from the University of Virginia and his Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law. He served three terms as Richmond Commonwealth Attorney from 1994–2005. Under his watch, Richmond established a national reputation for its work on Project Exile and the implementation of a system of Drug Courts. David has received numerous awards and recognition including one from the U.S. Attorney General for his work on Project Exile. He has served as an Adjunct Professor VCU and VUU in the honors program and in Criminal Justice. He has trained law enforcement professionals in more than 15 states.