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Venture Richmond’s outgoing executive director, Jack Berry, announced Tuesday that he’s entering the crowded field of Richmond mayoral candidates.

Berry, who previously worked as Hanover County’s administrator and Richmond’s budget director, touted his experience working in and around government in a statement announcing his candidacy.

“Richmond deserves an experienced leader who will manage the city’s money and deliver basic services well,” he said. “I am running for mayor to help make Richmond a high-performing city that is a magnet of opportunity for young people, for families, and for those who have been left behind.”

Berry announced last month that he would step down from his position directing Venture Richmond, which he has held for 18 years. The organization promotes economic development downtown, manages the Canal Walk and Brown’s Island, and produces the Richmond Folk Festival, Friday Cheers and Dominion Riverrock.

While he had previously said he was considering running for mayor, he declined at the time to confirm he had made a decision, instead hinting he was “clearing the deck” for his “next opportunity.”

Berry laid out his campaign platform Tuesday, saying he would make schools his highest priority.