Richmond mayor names another top aide

Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones announced yesterday another top aide in his administration.

Peter H. Chapman will become deputy chief administrative officer for economic and community development effective July 13. His annual salary will be $160,000.

Chapman will be positioned to play a role in such high-profile issues as the proposed Echo Harbour hotel, office and condominium development along the James River, as well as the talks aimed at bringing professional baseball back to Richmond, including a long-term plan for a stadium.

Chapman is executive director and vice president for Colorado operations for Seedco Financial Services, a nonprofit national community development financial institution. He has about 20 years of urban-development experience and previously served as an economic development adviser to Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper.

Chapman's "prior experience with local government, as well as his broad range of expertise with community development and finance, will be instrumental in helping us to implement important initiatives here in the city of Richmond," Jones said in a statement.

Chapman's hiring follows this week's appointment of Marcus D. Jones as deputy CAO for finance and administration and the nomination of Byron C. Marshall as chief administrative officer. The City Council has scheduled a July 1 vote on Marshall's appointment. The council does not have to sign off on deputy CAO appointments.

Jones created Chapman's position because he wants economic development and community development to be priorities, and they can sometimes be in conflict. Jones frequently says he wants Richmond to grow by design, not by default.

Chapman will also oversee the city's minority-business enterprise and real estate services functions, as well as be the administration's contact with the East District Initiative, Greater Richmond Partnership, Port of Richmond, Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority, GRTC Transit System, Richmond Metropolitan Authority and other groups.

Contact Will Jones at (804) 649-6911 or .