Avula was recognized as a consistent leader during Virginia's COVID-19 vaccination campaign with Governor Ralph Northam's appointment.

Dr. Danny Avula made history by winning the Richmond mayoral race, becoming the first immigrant and Asian American to lead the city, and the first non-black mayor in 20 years. Avula, who won among five candidates, will win in a city that last saw a white mayor in 1998 when Sen. Tim Kaine took office through a City Council appointment.

A prominent figure in public health, Avula has been recognized as a consistent leader in Virginia's COVID-19 vaccination campaign with the appointment of Gov. Ralph Northam. He is known locally for earning titles such as "Top Doc" from 2013 to 2022, Richmond Times-Dispatch's Person of the Year in 2019, and Style Weekly's Richmond of the Year in 2020.

The journey of cows is deeply rooted in public service and family values. Raised in rural India, his father, Raj, immigrated to the United States at age 19, serving in the US Navy before serving in the Department of Defense. His mother Lalita brought him to America when he was six months old.

With degrees in biology from the University of Virginia, a medical degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and a graduate degree in public health from Johns Hopkins University, Avula has dedicated her life to public service in Richmond. He lives in the city's East End with his wife, Mary Kay, a Richmond Public School teacher, and their five children, who are also students and alumni of the same school system.

Recognized for his commitment to health, education and community engagement, Avula's election marks a new chapter for Richmond.