CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – James Freas will now serve as Charlottesville’s next deputy city manager of operations. He replaces Lionel Lyons, who left his position after little more than a week due to a family emergency.

If his name sounds familiar, it’s because Freas has served as director of neighborhood development services since September 2021.

His experience includes 15 years in public service spread throughout Massachusetts and Virginia, where he has led collaborative planning and implementation work. Freas has also developed strategies for housing, transportation, climate and economic development and he has experience drafting policies and zoning ordinances. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia and master’s degrees in planning and environmental law from the University of Rhode Island and Vermont Law School, respectively.

“I’m excited to continue my work for the City of Charlottesville in this new capacity,” said Mr. Freas. “I am looking forward to supporting the City Manager and City Council in achieving their vision and goals for organizational excellence and innovation in the work of the Operations Team.”

City Manager Sanders added, “I am happy to see James step up and contribute in a bigger way as he has already proven to be an asset as evidenced by his ability to lead our whole City to a conclusion of the full rewrite of the comp plan, future land use map, and zoning ordinance. No small feat to accomplish while maintaining his calm and level-headed demeanor.”

Freas will hold dual roles as deputy city manager for operations and director of neighborhood development services until the latter role is filled.