Al Wiggins, Jr. has been appointed as the new Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO) for Operations for the City of Richmond. Wiggins brings over two decades of experience in local government and is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He currently serves as Senior Advisor to the Chief Operating Officer for the City of Atlanta, where he manages major operational projects such as preparations for the 2026 World Cup and oversees compliance with Atlanta’s $750 million Moving Atlanta Forward infrastructure initiative.
In his recent roles, Wiggins was Commissioner of Atlanta’s Department of Public Works during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading more than 550 employees and managing a $100 million budget. He introduced real-time fleet tracking and a centralized command center to improve responsiveness to residents and implemented quality assurance practices that improved service delivery and reduced waste. His work focused on improving community trust by addressing neighborhood blight, responding directly to resident concerns, and ensuring equitable resource deployment.
Wiggins also served as Interim Commissioner of Atlanta’s Department of Watershed Management during an environmental crisis involving widespread water main breaks. He directed emergency response efforts, launched an AI-driven leak detection program, and helped bring the city back into federal compliance. The department manages a $1.2 billion capital portfolio and a $700 million operations budget with more than 1,500 employees.
Odie Donald, Chief Administrative Officer, stated: “Mr. Wiggins is an operational Swiss Army knife, a seasoned leader with more than two decades of experience in government operations and public service. His path from exemplary Air Force service to diverse leadership experiences in both cities and counties, and overall knack for service delivery will make him someone the City of Richmond can count on.”
Wiggins expressed his enthusiasm about joining Richmond: “I am honored to join the City of Richmond and contribute to the Mayor’s vision for a thriving Richmond. Operational excellence is the key to a government that works smoothly and efficiently every single day, and I look forward to partnering with colleagues across the city to deliver the high-quality services that residents deserve.”
Mayor Danny Avula welcomed Wiggins’ appointment: “I’m excited to welcome Mr. Wiggins to Richmond. His leadership experience, dedication, and service mindset will round out the leadership team and help us strengthen the city’s foundation for a thriving future.”
Wiggins began his public service career as a police officer before advancing through code enforcement, public works, and executive leadership positions in metro Atlanta municipalities. As City Manager of Forest Park, Georgia, he eliminated a $1 million budget shortfall, reformed its pension system, and secured significant economic development projects including a $42 million Clorox expansion. In Chamblee, Georgia, he led budgeting reforms that recovered unpaid taxes and completed several capital projects.
Wiggins will begin his new role in Richmond on August 28, 2025.
