Danny Avula

Danny Avula (born 1978)^[1] is an American public health professional and politician who is currently Mayor of Richmond, Virginia following his victory in the 2024 election. He is a member of the Democratic Party and the city's first immigrant and first Indian mayor.

Danny Avula
Avula in 2024
81st Mayor of Richmond
Incumbent
Assumed office January 1, 2025
Preceded by	Levar Stoney
Personal details
Born	1978 (age 46–47) Hyderabad, India
Political party	Democratic
Education	University of Virginia (BA) Virginia Commonwealth University (MD) Johns Hopkins University (MPH)

Early life and education

Avula was born in Hyderabad, India and immigrated with his family to the United States a year after he was born. His father joined the U.S. Navy and his family lived in California until Avula's late elementary school years. After his father retired from active duty, both his parents spent their careers working for the Department of Defense.^[2] He grew up in Northern Virginia.^[3]

Avula attended the University of Virginia studying biology for his undergrad, graduating when he was 19.^[3] He then attended medical school at Virginia Commonwealth University to become a pediatrician.^[4] Later, he earned a Masters of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University.^[2]

Career

Avula gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic earning the nickname "Richmond's Dr. Fauci" and led vaccination efforts in Virginia.^[5] He previously served as director of the Health District covering Richmond and Henrico County.^[6] In 2020, he was named Style Weekly's Richmonder of the Year.^[3] He went on to be appointed Commissioner of Social Services for the Commonwealth of Virginia by Governors Ralph Northam and Glenn Youngkin.^[4]

Avula announced his campaign for mayor of Richmond, Virginia on April 10, 2024.^[7] On November 5, 2024, Avula won the 2024 Richmond mayoral election becoming mayor-elect of the city.^[8] Avula was sworn in on January 1, 2025, making him the city's first immigrant mayor.^[7]

Personal life

Avula is married to Mary Kay, a Richmond Public Schools elementary school teacher. He and his wife have five children.^[9] One of their children is adopted.^[10]

He serves on the board of the Medical College of Virginia Foundation and previously chaired the Richmond Memorial Health Foundation.^[11]

References

1. https://richmondfamilymagazine.com/community/profiles/essential-leader-danny-avula
2. "Meet Dr. Danny Avula - Dr. Danny Avula for Richmond Mayor". April 8, 2024. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
3. Roop, Jason (December 29, 2020). "Richmonder of the Year". Style Weekly. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
4. McNamee, Madison (September 24, 2024). "Meet Richmond mayoral candidate Danny Avula". WWBT. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
5. Moreno, Sabrina (February 6, 2021). "One month in: How Danny Avula became Richmond's 'Dr. Fauci' and went on to lead the state's vaccination efforts". Richmond Times-Dispatch. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
6. "A look at Richmond's projected mayoral winner, Dr. Danny Avula". WRIC ABC 8News. November 6, 2024. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
7. Moreno, Sabrina (April 10, 2024). "Danny Avula announces run for Richmond mayor". Axios.
8. "Richmond mayor-elect Danny Avula shares his outlook for the city". Yahoo News. November 7, 2024. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
9. "Essential Leader Danny Avula – Richmond Family Magazine". richmondfamilymagazine.com. June 15, 2020. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
10. "Why children in Virginia's foster care system need a loving family more than ever". CBS 6 News Richmond WTVR. November 5, 2020. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
11. "Danny Avula, M.D. | Medical College of Virginia Foundation". www.mcvfoundation.org. Retrieved November 7, 2024.

Political offices
Preceded by Levar Stoney	Mayor of Richmond 2025–present	Incumbent