Ruth Morrison has been appointed as the new Director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs for the City of Richmond. Morrison brings over a decade of experience in policy, advocacy, and intergovernmental relations, having worked at federal, state, and local levels. Most recently, she served as Policy Director for the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts.
Her career includes roles in nonprofit innovation, electoral and advocacy training, and national environmental organizing. During her time with the health districts, Morrison was involved in organizing initial containment operations during the COVID-19 pandemic to support vulnerable populations in central Virginia. She also collaborated with Richmond City Council to establish the Health Equity Fund, which used funding from various sources to provide community-based services for Richmond residents.
Delegate Betsy Carr said, “I’ve known Ruth for years, as a constituent in the City, also as a committed advocate and talented policy professional. She understands the complexities of the City’s relationship with the General Assembly and all the critical work we must do together to improve lives in Richmond.”
Richmond City Council President Cynthia Newbille expressed support for Morrison’s appointment: “Richmond City Council is excited to work with Ms. Morrison in this new role,” says Council President Cynthia Newbille. “After working together to establish Richmond’s Health Equity Fund, I know that she is committed to innovative, evidence-based projects and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the work of bringing cross-sector partners together,” said Richmond City Council President Cynthia Newbille.
Morrison has participated on opioid abatement task forces in both Richmond and Henrico counties and helped direct federal settlement funds toward harm reduction, treatment, prevention, and recovery initiatives through the Opioid Abatement Authority. She also served on Mayor Danny Avula’s Transition Executive Team supporting development of priorities across areas such as healthcare access and climate policy.
Mayor Danny Avula welcomed Morrison’s appointment by stating: “I’m thrilled to welcome Ruth, who will build the strategy to align the administration’s priorities with our partners in City Council and RPS so we can advocate as one city. Her leadership, passion, and expertise will advance a thriving Richmond for every resident.”
Morrison’s local involvement includes serving on boards such as YMCA Downtown and WRIR; participating in committees like Partnership for Housing Affordability Policy Advisory Committee; and leading collaborations including Mayorathon.
“What’s important to me about intergovernmental work is finding the win-wins that allow us to realize systems-level changes in partnership with our colleagues at the state, across the region, and beyond.” said Morrison. “That’s been a throughline in my career – no matter my role or institution, we have to put together winning collaborative projects that impact the lives of our neighbors. As a resident of the City and the parent of two RPS kids, I’m grateful to be bringing my experience to City Hall, and I’m ready to get to work for all Richmonders!”
Morrison is scheduled to begin her role on September 29.
