Mayor Dwight C. Jones announced today that the Mayor’s Schools Accountability and Efficiency Review Task Force will receive funding from the Greater Richmond Chamber Foundation in the amount of $35,000. The funds will be used to procure the services of the Robert Bobb Group and Alvarez and Marsal, two firms specializing in public sector turnarounds. In thanking the Greater Richmond Chamber, the Mayor said, “The Greater Richmond Chamber has a long history of commitment to education in the City, including its focus on early childhood education. I appreciate the Chamber’s willingness to step forward to help us with this important effort, through both the short term and long term. This assistance will help the Task Force meet the quick deadline for addressing the short-term budget issue.” Greater Richmond Chamber President & CEO Kim Scheeler said that the grant from the Foundation, “reflects the importance that business leaders place on education in the city of Richmond. The syst

Mayor Dwight C. Jones announced the appointment today of Sharon Judkins to the position of Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO) of Finance and Administration. Judkins has more than 25 years of strategic leadership and executive management experience, and is noted for her expertise in financial planning, organizational development and performance-based management. She previously served for more than 19 years in various leadership capacities for the City of Richmond and was recognized as a knowledgeable and results-driven leader. Her first day of City service is March 26. Mayor Jones stated, “Sharon Judkins’ accomplishments and comprehension of government finance and management reforms will prove to be a tremendous resource as we continue to position ourselves to become a Tier One City.” Prior to returning to the City of Richmond to accept the DCAO position, she served as the Chief Administrative Officer of the Santa Clara Valley Water District in San Jose, CA. As a key execu