Opal D. Haley, director of training and development in UGA’s Human Resources division, will serve as interim director of the university’s Office of Security Preparedness effective Feb. 14. Haley fills the position left vacant when Asa Boynton, the first director of the office, retired this past December.
Haley has worked in the human resources field for 23 years and has spent 18 of her 20 years at UGA in the training and development department, helping develop training programs that support institutional goals, customer needs and best practices. The department has earned a national reputation for excellence.
Prior to joining UGA, she worked for the Clarke County police department and the Georgia Department of Revenue. She holds a master’s degree in human resources and organizational development from UGA, where she also earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
UGA created the Office of Security Preparedness in 2002 following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. It is not a law enforcement unit, but works to help the university identify possible security threats and provide faculty, staff and students with information and education on security issues.
“Opal’s excellent organizational skills, and extensive experience in developing and conducting training programs, make her ideally suited for this position,” says Hank Huckaby, senior vice president for finance and administration. “I’m confident she will continue to build on the strong foundation that Asa laid for this important office.”
A recent reorganization placed both the Office of Security Preparedness and the UGA police department under Auxiliary and Administrative Services, headed by George Stafford, associate vice president.
“In addition to her role with security preparedness, Opal will also provide Auxiliary and Administrative Services with guidance on human resources and organizational development matters,” Stafford says. “Her creativity and skills in problem solving and strategic planning will be a great asset to our leadership team.”
Haley says one of her goals is to raise the security preparedness office’s profile on campus.
“I look forward to building on the outstanding work begun by Asa and his staff to ensure that the entire campus community receives relevant security information,” she says.
