RICHMOND, Va. — Venture Richmond has announced Executive Director Jack Berry has resigned Thursday after 18 years leading the organization.
In the press release announcing his resignation, Berry hinted at a possible mayor run and future in Richmond public service.
“I am giving up the best job in Richmond, and a team of co-workers I love, in order to venture into a new arena. I will miss my amazing colleagues, but hopefully the next step in my public service career will be just as rewarding.”
Berry is scheduled to participate in Governor Doug Wilder’s upcoming Richmond Mayoral Forum on April 6. The participants will answer questions from both the audience and moderators Dr. Bob Holsworth and former Richmond Mayor and Virginia Governor Doug Wilder.
Under Berry Venture Richmond organized number events including the annual Richmond Folk Festival, as well as the widely popular ‘RVA campaign, launching the RVA brand identity of the city. This is probably most recognizable by ubiquitous black and white RVA bumper stickers.
Venture Richmond has partnered with the City on a Clean & Safe program and recent downtown landscaping initiatives on Broad Street and at downtown gateways.
Berry joined Venture Richmond predecessor, Richmond Renaissance in 1998 after serving as the Hanover County Administrator for six years, and serving in several capacities in Richmond City Government for 13 years prior to that.
“No one is more passionate about Richmond than Jack Berry,” said Venture Richmond Board Chair Mary Doswell. “He is Downtown Richmond’s biggest booster and one of its strongest leaders.”
John Bates, Venture’s General Counsel agreed with that assessment.
“Jack has promoted downtown from the beginning of its rebirth in the late 1990s, when there were only 6,000 residents living in the downtown district. Downtown now boasts almost 20,000 residents and is one of the most vibrant and fastest growing areas in the region,” he said.
Venture Richmond’s Deputy Director for Marketing and Events, Lisa Sims, will serve as Interim Executive Director starting May 1.
