- Source: Danny Avula
Danny Avula (born 1978) is an American public health professional and politician who is currently mayor-elect of Richmond, Virginia following his victory in the 2024 election. He is a member of the Democratic Party and the city's first immigrant mayor.
Early life and education
According to Avula, his father immigrated to the United States from India when he was 19 years old and joined the U.S. Navy. After his father retired from active duty, both his parents spent their careers working for the Department of Defense. He grew up in Northern Virginia.
Avula attended the University of Virginia studying biology for his undergrad, graduating when he was 19. He then attended medical school at Virginia Commonwealth University to become a pediatrician. Later, he earned a Masters of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University.
Career
Avula gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic earning the nickname "Richmond's Dr. Fauci" and led vaccination efforts in Virginia. He previously served as director of the Health District covering Richmond and Henrico County. In 2020, he was named Style Weekly's Richmonder of the Year. He went on to be appointed Commissioner of Social Services for the Commonwealth of Virginia by Governors Ralph Northam and Glenn Youngkin.
Avula announced his campaign for mayor of Richmond, Virginia on April 10, 2024. On November 5, 2024, Avula won the 2024 Richmond mayoral election becoming mayor-elect of the city. This made him the city's first immigrant mayor.
Personal life
Avula is married to Mary Kay, a Richmond Public Schools elementary school teacher. He and his wife have five children. One of their children is adopted.
He serves on the board of the Medical College of Virginia Foundation and previously chaired the Richmond Memorial Health Foundation.