Mayor-elect seeking chief administrative officer

Richmond Mayor-elect Dwight Clinton Jones is placing his first "help wanted" ad.

An ad seeking applicants for chief administrative officer of the city is being placed in local and national publications this week, said Kevin O'Holleran, a spokesman for Jones. The ad lists the salary as negotiable based on qualifications and experience, and says the position will remain open until it is filled.

Jones, who takes office next month, has said that initiating a national search for a chief administrator would be among his first priorities.

Christopher L. Beschler has been serving as acting chief administrative officer to Mayor L. Douglas Wilder since August, after the sudden, unexplained resignation of Sheila Hill-Christian. Beschler's salary is $155,000.

Hill-Christian is serving as a volunteer co-director of Jones' mayoral transition team. She said yesterday that she did not intend to apply for her former job. She declined to explain the circumstances of her resignation.

Beschler could not be reached yesterday.

Richmond City Council President William J. Pantele, who ran against Jones for mayor, would not comment yesterday when asked whether he plans to apply for the job. Pantele, whose council term ends this month, said he has not discussed with Jones any potential role in the new administration, but he has expressed willingness to help in any way he can.

The ad seeks a "proven innovative, energetic, and collaborative leader" to manage a city with more than 20 departments, 4,500 employees and a $700 million budget. Requirements include a master's degree in public or business administration, planning or a related field, plus at least 10 years of urban municipal experience as an executive.

Résumés may be sent to . For information, call (804) 646-6933.

O'Holleran estimated that fewer than 100 résumés and job inquiries have been received since a transition office was established at City Hall last week. Jones has made no decisions on personnel, including the extent to which administration officials will be asked to reapply for their jobs, O'Holleran said.
Contact Will Jones at (804) 649-6911 or .