UAB has initiated a national search to replace retiring Chief Human Resources Officer Alesia Jones with support from the executive search firm Korn Ferry.
The CHRO reports to Senior Vice President for Administration and Financial Affairs Brian Burnett, Ph.D., who stresses the importance of this position to UAB’s continued success.
“This search is incredibly important to ensure UAB continues to support our most precious resource — our people — and maintain the attention and excellence that made us Forbes’ No. 1 Best Large Employer and No. 4 in Diversity,” Burnett said. “I am appreciative of the leadership that Alesia has provided to UAB over many years and know we have work to do to find a capable and outstanding CHRO to lead the next chapter of HR excellence in support of our people.”
Jones, who announced her intent to retire in February after 27 years of service to UAB, has extended her tenure to help navigate the post-pandemic return of faculty and staff to campus.
“Alesia has expertly guided HR through tremendous institutional growth during her 12 years as CHRO, including the COVID-19 pandemic,” said President Ray Watts. “The individual selected for this position will help continue the university’s leadership in recruitment, benefits and other employee services that consistently makes this one of the best places to work. I thank Alesia for her years of service and the search committee for their commitment to ensuring this search is a success.”
Chief Communications Officer Jim Bakken will chair the search committee, which includes leaders and key constituents across UAB:
- Marty Box, J.D., UAB Medicine vice president of Human Resources
- Jennifer Breland, assistant vice president of Alumni Affairs, executive director of the UAB National Alumni Society (Staff Council representative)
- Anita Clemon, assistant vice president for Institutional Equity
- Jack Howard, Ph.D., professor of human resources management, and interim chair for the Department of Management, Information Systems and Quantitative Methods
- Mark Ingram, director of UAB Athletics
- Kathy Litzinger, executive director of IT Business Operations
- Dave Mellon, J.D., university counsel
- Anthony Purcell, associate vice president and chief of Police
- Rahul Thadani, executive director of Human Resources
- Michael Wyss, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology (Faculty Senate representative)
A description of the position and application process and other search-related information will be available on the UAB Executive Search webpage. Updates on the search process will be posted there as they become available.
Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. UAB does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion or veteran status.
