For immediate use: Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014
Felicia A. Washington has been appointed the new vice chancellor for workforce strategy, equity and engagement at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. An experienced Charlotte attorney in issues involving employment, compliance and discrimination, Washington will replace Brenda Malone, former vice chancellor for human resources, effective Feb. 1.
The position’s new name reflects its expansion to combine principal responsibility for the offices of human resources, equal opportunity/ADA and diversity and multicultural affairs, Chancellor Carol Folt said in a campus email message announcing Washington’s appointment.
“This structural change was designed in consultation with campus leaders to strengthen support for Carolina’s workforce,” Folt said. “By bringing these three critical areas together in a single division, we intend to significantly increase collaboration, create new campuswide opportunities for engagement and learning, and advance Carolina’s mission to provide a welcoming, equitable and stimulating educational environment for all.”
Washington, a former member of the UNC Board of Trustees, brings to this important campus-wide position an impressive record of professional expertise, experience with Carolina and strong personal leadership skills, Folt said. She will lead a division responsible for the administration of, and compliance with, federal and state laws and UNC-system policies regarding human resources management, equal opportunity, and harassment and discrimination. In addition, Folt said, Washington will focus on enhancing campus-wide diversity.
“Carolina is privileged to have such a talented person join our community,” Folt said.
A UNC undergraduate alumna, Washington earned her law degree from the University of Virginia. She has been an attorney with what is now K&L Gates LLP in Charlotte for 23 years, and a partner for the last 15 years. There, she worked extensively with senior legal counsel and human resources professionals, advising them on an array of employment, compliance and discrimination issues. Last year, Washington concluded a four-year term as a UNC trustee, where she chaired the conflicts of interest and legal affairs committees.
Reporting directly to Washington will be three associate vice chancellors with day-to-day responsibilities in the offices of the new division. Matt Brody will continue as associate vice chancellor of human resources and Taffye Clayton as associate vice chancellor of diversity and multicultural affairs. Jayne Grandes, interim director of the equal opportunity/ADA office, will continue in that role until the search for that associate vice chancellor has concluded.
UNC contact: Michael McFarland, (919) 962-8593, mike_mcfarland@unc.edu