Augusta’s former administrator is moving on from the job for which he left Augusta.
Odie Donald II, who served as Augusta administrator for about 14 months before joining the administration of Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, has been hired in Richmond, Va.
Richmond Mayor Danny Avula announced Friday that Donald is his nominee for chief administrative officer. The announcement followed a five-month search that began when Avula took office, according to a news release.
“His combination of strong management and deep compassion is exactly what is needed to realize our vision of a thriving Richmond that leaves no one behind,” Avula said, announcing Donald for the position.
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Under Richmond’s charter, the city council next confirms the nominee, which it did Monday. In the CAO is vested “virtually all of the formal authority to run the city’s administrative operations.” The mayor, meanwhile, articulates a vision and clear direction for the city, according to the city of Richmond’s website.
The news release announcing Donald credits him with several achievements in Augusta, where he worked from November 2020 to February 2022.
During that time, it says Donald raised Augusta’s bond ratings, managed over $150 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds and spearheaded the city’s largest sales tax package and its blight ordinance.
Augusta voters passed Sales Tax 8 in March 2021. S&P upgraded Augusta Regional Airport’s general revenue bonds from BBB- to BBB in January 2022.
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In a Friday news release, Dickens thanked Donald for his service, which included serving as a liaison between the public and private sectors. He credited Donald with launching an employment services department that supported fair compensation for frontline city workers and provided employment services.
