A Glimpse Into Richmond’s Future: Conversations with Dr. Danny Avula’s Transition Team

Richmond is on the cusp of change. As Mayor-Elect Dr. Danny Avula prepares to take office, his transition team reflects a vision rooted in equity, collaboration, and community-driven progress. I’ve had the unique privilege of speaking with several members of this team on America’s Healthiest City, and their insights provide a preview of the priorities shaping our city’s next chapter.

Since his election, I’ve had the opportunity to meet Dr. Avula in person. It’s clear he is deeply engaged in the work ahead and is surrounding himself with the right people to ensure Richmond’s success. Among them, Reggie Gordon, Jovan Burton, and Taikein Cooper stand out for their leadership and expertise in addressing Richmond’s most pressing challenges. Their work spans health, housing, and education—foundational areas critical to Richmond’s future.

Here’s what I’ve learned from our conversations and what their involvement might mean for our city.

Reggie Gordon: Co-Chairing the Path Toward a Healthier Richmond

As co-chair of Dr. Avula’s transition team and CEO of the Richmond Memorial Health Foundation, Reggie Gordon is helping shape an administration committed to collaboration and equity. His shared belief that Richmond can become America’s healthiest region by 2033 isn’t just aspirational—it’s a challenge to all of us to think boldly about what’s possible.

In our conversation, Reggie emphasized that health is about far more than medical care. It’s about addressing the root causes of inequity in housing, education, and economic opportunity. Drawing on his Richmond roots and a career spanning law and human services, Reggie brings a deep understanding of the systemic barriers our communities face and the partnerships needed to overcome them.

The Richmond Memorial Health Foundation, under Reggie’s leadership, is driving change by strategically investing in local organizations and initiatives that promote racial and health equity. With a $110 million endowment, the foundation supports groups like Girls for a Change with multi-year funding to empower under-resourced communities and dismantle barriers to opportunity.

Reggie’s vision for a healthier Richmond extends beyond programs and funding—it’s about humanizing people across economic backgrounds and fostering connections that lead to better policy and stronger communities. As he helps guide Dr. Avula’s transition, his focus on equity ensures that Richmond’s transformation will prioritize those most in need while building a foundation of health and opportunity for all.

Listen to my interview with Reggie Gordon to hear more about his inspiring vision and the power of mentorship, collaboration, and resilience in shaping Richmond’s future.

Jovan Burton: Bridging Gaps in Housing Affordability

Housing affordability remains one of Richmond’s most urgent challenges, and Jovan Burton is at the forefront of addressing it. As Executive Director of the Partnership for Housing Affordability and a member of Dr. Avula’s transition team, Jovan brings a data-driven, solutions-focused approach to this critical issue.

In our interview on America’s Healthiest City, Jovan emphasized that housing stability is foundational to health, economic opportunity, and community well-being. He spoke candidly about the region’s need for greater inventory, the unique hurdles seniors face in the housing market, and the importance of collaborative, regional solutions. Jovan’s work also highlights how policy changes can expand access to affordable housing while addressing long-standing gaps in the system.

Through the Partnership for Housing Affordability, Jovan is working to bridge these gaps, connecting Richmonders to vital resources and advocating for policies that ensure housing remains accessible for all. His leadership and expertise are driving progress toward sustainable solutions, and his role on the transition team will help prioritize housing as a cornerstone of the city’s future.

Listen to my full conversation with Jovan Burton to explore the challenges, opportunities, and regional efforts shaping housing affordability in Richmond.

Taikein Cooper: Strengthening Richmond’s Educational Foundation

Investing in K-12 education is critical to Richmond’s future, and Taikein Cooper is leading the charge to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed. As Executive Director of the Richmond Ed Fund and a member of Dr. Avula’s transition team, Taikein is dedicated to creating a stronger, more equitable educational system for Richmond’s youth.

In our interview on America’s Healthiest City, Taikein spoke about the unique challenges facing young people today, from the ongoing impact of trauma to the pervasive influence of social media. He highlighted the importance of equitable investment in public schools and the collective responsibility of the community to support the next generation. We also explored innovative ideas, like year-round schooling, as potential solutions to address disparities and improve outcomes for all students.

Taikein’s journey from politics to education underscores his deep commitment to mentorship, community involvement, and advocacy for systemic change. His role on Dr. Avula’s transition team ensures that Richmond’s future leaders—its students—will remain at the heart of the city’s priorities.

Listen to my conversation with Taikein Cooper to gain insights into his inspiring work and vision for education in Richmond.

A Transition Team with Purpose

Dr. Avula’s transition team is a group of dedicated individuals with deep expertise in areas that matter most to Richmonders. Reggie, Jovan, and Taikein exemplify the collaborative and forward-thinking leadership that Richmond needs to address its challenges and seize its opportunities. Take a look at the entire list of transition team leaders, including some of our future guests on America’s Healthiest City.

I encourage you to listen to these interviews for a deeper understanding of the vision driving Richmond’s future. Together, let’s support the work of these leaders and continue building a stronger, healthier, and more equitable city for all.

As this new administration takes shape, it’s important to remember that shaping Richmond’s future isn’t just the job of the transition team—it’s up to all of us. Your voice matters in determining the city’s priorities. One way to ensure your ideas are heard is by engaging with the Richmond People’s Budget. This participatory budgeting process allows residents to propose and vote on projects that can directly impact our community. Visit rvapb.org to learn more and play an active role in shaping the Richmond you want to see.

Richmond’s future depends on all of us coming together to make our city stronger, healthier, and more equitable. Let’s make our voices heard and keep the momentum going.