Jones names 2 mayoral staffers

By Will Jones

Published: January 3, 2009

Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones has started to name his administration, beginning with Suzette P. Denslow as chief of staff and David M. Hicks as senior policy analyst.

Denslow has worked as legislative director and deputy policy director under Govs. Timothy M. Kaine and Mark R. Warner. She also was deputy secretary of education under Gov. L. Douglas Wilder and deputy director of the Virginia Municipal League.

Hicks is a partner with the Hicks Tymas law firm and a former commonwealth's attorney of Richmond. He served as chairman of Jones' mayoral campaign and transition team.

Denslow and Hicks "possess valued backgrounds and expertise in the operations of Richmond and municipal government," Jones said in a statement yesterday. "Their experience will be invaluable in moving Richmond forward."

Denslow said she's excited to work for the city as a native Richmonder and having worked in its budget office more than 20 years ago under City Manager Manuel Deese.

"I have a passion for the city. I consider myself a local-government person at heart," she said.

Hicks said he initially wasn't interested in a position with the Jones administration but changed his mind in the excitement after Barack Obama was elected president. Plus, "I really do believe in what he's trying to do," Hicks said of Jones.

Last month, then-Mayor L. Douglas Wilder blasted Hicks, saying Hicks had sought $2 million to settle a lawsuit against the city while also leading the mayoral transition. Hicks said he was not authorized to discuss the lawsuit, which stemmed from the shooting death of Billy Thigpen III by a city police officer in January 2006.

Hicks said yesterday that he is checking with the state bar to make sure his work for the city stays well within ethical boundaries. He would not say how he would avoid a conflict in the Thigpen case.

"I recognize I have to make sure that nothing reflects poorly on the mayor," Hicks said.

Denslow replaces Sandra Robinson, who served as chief of staff to Wilder. Hicks replaces Kim Neal as policy adviser. Robinson and Neal did not apply to keep their jobs, but Neal has transferred to a position in another city department, said William Leighty, co-director of the mayoral transition team.

Denslow and Hicks will receive salaries of $125,000 and $120,000, respectively, and start work next week, Leighty said.

In the statement, Kaine praised Denslow, saying he could not think of a better advocate for the city.

City Council President Kathy C. Graziano said Denslow knows a lot about the needs of cities and that Hicks will provide institutional knowledge that's now lacking at City Hall.

"Having knowledgeable people as opposed to political appointments is going to do a lot to move the city forward," she said.

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