by Lawson Wijesooriya is joined by Dr. Danny Avula, the mayor of the city of Richmond, to discuss Christian Community Development in their city. They reflect on their history with CCD, how they are listening to the community, and how Dr. Perkins’ legacy has shaped their lives, families, and vocations.
Join us in Richmond this October 7-10 for the CCDA Conference! Visit ccda.org/conference to learn more.
Each August, we focus on civic engagement as a CCDA Family. Learn more about engaging with your local government at ccda.org/civic.
Dr. Danny Avula took office as the 81st Mayor of the City of Richmond on January 1, 2025.
Before his election to public office, Danny served the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts for 12 years, including 6 years as its Director. There, he championed efforts to increase access to care for the most vulnerable residents of our community, prioritized the voices of those with lived experience, lifted up the intersection of housing and health, and addressed the root causes that shape health outcomes-especially poverty and race.
Born in Hyderabad, India, he immigrated to the United States with his parents in 1979. A father of five, Danny and his wife, Mary Kay, have lived in Richmond’s East End for over 20 years. Mary Kay is a teacher with Richmond Public Schools.
Click here to learn more about Danny.
Lawson Wijesooriya is the Chief of Staff for Richmond’s 81st Mayor, Dr. Danny Avula. Before leading his successful bid for mayor as campaign manager, Wijesooriya spent 15 years leading local non-profits—with a focus on strategy and community development—to serve some of the city’s most vulnerable residents. She graduated from the University of Virginia as a Phi Beta Kappa Jefferson Scholar and is a mother of two.
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