Mayor Dwight Jones' choice for Chief Administrative Officer of the City of Richmond was confirmed tonight by a unanimous vote during a special session of the Richmond City Council. Marshall will immediately assume the role of CAO on a part time basis for the duration of July and assume the role in a full-time capacity as of August 1, 2009. He was sworn in tonight by the City Clerk, Lou Brown Ali. During the special session, Mayor Jones said, "we all want viable neighborhoods, effective youth programs, great schools and a responsive City administration. I'm offering you one of the best and the brightest to fill out our administration's organization." Following a national search for the City's CAO which began when Jones took office in January, Marshall became the candidate of choice in mid-June. He addressed the City Council during its regularly scheduled session on June 22, 2009, at which time he answered many questions that had arisen in the media. Counc...

Mayor Dwight C. Jones announced today that Christopher L. Beschler will serve in an expanded role as Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO) for Operations, following the appointment of a permanent Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). Beschler presently serves as Acting CAO and the DCAO for Operations. The Operations portfolio includes the Departments of Public Works, Public Utilities, and General Services. "I'm expanding the responsibilities of this DCAO position and adding priority areas for my administration which include major renovations for schools, and the $138 million jail project," Mayor Jones said. "I've come to rely upon Chris for advice and guidance in key areas of city governance, and I'm looking forward to having his leadership in these important areas." Mayor Jones' prioritization of long-needed jail replacement is evident in the Capital Improvement budget for fiscal years 2010-2014, which includes $138.4 million in capital fundin...