DANVILLE, Va. – City Manager Ken Larking has named Amanda Paez as the City’s first chief equity officer — a position tasked with ensuring policy decisions and programs are evaluated through an equity lens.

Paez takes on the role after having served for more than 13 years as a management analyst and assistant to the city manager with the City of Danville.

“As a member of the city manager’s office, Amanda has the ability to independently review policies, programs, and services throughout the organization to make sure that we are following the best practices with regard to diversity, equity, and inclusion,” Larking said.

Larking made the announcement during a meeting of the City Council.