Human resources officer hired for Facilities and Operations

ANN ARBOR—Eric J. Williams has been hired as the new human resources officer for the University of Michigan’s Facilities and Operations, announced Henry Baier, associate vice president for facilities and operations.

Williams, who began work Monday (Feb. 21), will be responsible for providing human resource services to the 1,500 employees in U-M’s Plant Operations, Plant Extension, Department of Public Safety, and Occupational Safety and Environmental Health. He will design and facilitate initiatives for organizational change and development; manage and coordinate training activities; develop and coordinate human resource programs, activities and strategies; and partner with central human resources to develop recruitment and retention strategies.

“We are pleased Eric has chosen to join our team to help strengthen our human resources efforts, especially as we strive to deliver enhanced levels of customer service in a cost efficient manner to the faculty, staff, and students at the U-M,” Baier said. “Eric has a strong background in organizational development, both in corporate and academic settings, which will benefit our organization.”

Most recently, Williams has been the vice president of operations for Khason Management Services in Tampa, Fla., an assisted living organization with locations in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. He has been responsible for the daily operations of the facilities as well as establishing personnel policies and procedures.

Prior to Khason Management, Williams provided consulting services for strategic planning, staff development, and diversity training to non-profits, higher education institutions, and major corporations through his own company, E.J. Williams & Associates. The company was located in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Williams also has 10 years of organizational development experience in academia through positions at Grand Valley State University and Calvin College, as well as Oakland University.

A native of Inkster, Mich., Williams earned a master’s degree in public administration and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Oakland University. He is currently working on a doctorate in public administration at Western Michigan University. Williams is also a former Grand Rapids City Commissioner and community activist.

Plant Operations