Following a nationwide search, Danville City Manager Ken Larking has named Michael Adkins and Briana Evans as Assistant City Managers.
Larking said that Danville is experiencing new growth for the first time in decades thanks to strategic investments to rebuild the local economy.
“The pace of growth has enabled us to take on several important projects that will further accelerate our resurgence,” Larking said. “As we continue to grow, it’s important to be intentional about managing growth in a way that ensures every resident has an opportunity to participate in the prosperity we’ve worked so hard to create.”
Larking said Adkins and Evans will strengthen the leadership team. “I am excited to have Michael and Briana join our executive leadership team,” Larking said. “Their experience and energy will help us make the most out of our positive trajectory.”
Michael Adkins will continue to serve as the Chief Financial Officer and will oversee the departments of Finance, Information Technology, and Human Resources, and of the Budget Office. He will begin this role on November 1.
“It is an honor to accept this opportunity for continued service to my hometown,” Adkins said. “I look forward to working alongside our City’s dedicated team and community leaders, and pledge to give my best as we build upon recent success, overcome our challenges, and strive to ensure a vibrant future for all who call Danville home.”
Effective December 1, Briana Evans will oversee the Community Development Department, the Office of Economic Development and Tourism, and the Social Services Department.
“Danville has laid out a bold vision for the future in PLAN Danville,” said Evans. “I am looking forward to working with residents and colleagues to bring that vision into reality in the months and years to come.”
One of the major drivers of Danville’s growth is the opening of Caesars Virginia, which invested over $700 million and employs over 1,000 people in Danville’s Schoolfield Historic District. The revenue generated through gaming tax revenue and a supplemental payment negotiated as part of a development agreement is expected to generate about $35 million in revenue for the current fiscal year.
“Casino revenue should primarily be used for one-time expenses,” Larking said. “We want to use this opportunity to help create and encourage new investments that will produce long-term sustainability, stabilizing the revenue streams necessary to continue core city services at levels our residents are accustomed to receiving. I am confident that Michael and Briana’s contributions to our team will help us implement the City Council’s vision to have a safe, strong, and prosperous community.”
Michael Adkins is a native of the Danville community and began his tenure with the City of Danville in 2005 as Assistant Finance Director. In 2015, he was promoted to the position of Finance Director/Chief Financial Officer, providing oversight to City operations in Accounting, Procurement, Real Estate Assessment, Budget, Customer Accounts, Grants, and Internal
Audit. He received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Virginia Tech and a master’s degree in business administration from Averett University. Adkins is also a Certified Public Accountant.
Briana Evans has worked in city and county governments over the past decade, leading efforts to incorporate community voice into government processes as a Policy Analyst, Senior Community Health Planner, and an Equity and Inclusion Officer. Briana holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Anthropology from Stanford University.