Lonsinger will manage the University Human Resources function, which has 27 full-time employees and a $1.9 million operating budget that supports the areas of benefits, compensation, employee and labor relations, human resource staffing and records services, and human resource systems. A national search for a permanent appointee will begin soon.

"Linda's extensive experience in human resources, including labor relations, made her an ideal candidate to serve in this interim position," said Vice President for Finance and Administration Bill Decatur. "During her 10 years at the university, she has developed a good foundation of knowledge on all areas of human resources, which will enable her to provide the necessary leadership to the projects and initiatives already under way."   

As director of employee and labor relations the past decade, one of Lonsinger's main duties has been to foster a positive working relationship between Ohio University and its employees. She also has served as an adjunct faculty member and guest lecturer.

In 2003, she won an Outstanding Administrator Award, in large part because of her involvement in successful negotiations on a new contract for Ohio University employees represented by AFSCME Local 1699.

"I was happy to accept this interim position because I was interested in moving the department and its initiatives forward without missing a beat," Lonsinger said. "The staff and I are comfortable with each other, so I feel confident that I can provide the necessary leadership to the staff during this time of transition."

Before arriving at Ohio University, Lonsinger worked nine years as a labor relations specialist for the Ohio Nurses Association in Columbus. She also has worked for Ohio Hospital Insurance Co., Physicians Insurance Company of Ohio, Wolske and Blue law firm and as an operating room nurse for Doctors Hospital North.

She earned a law degree from Capital University in 1987 and a bachelor's degree in nursing from Ohio State University in 1980. She is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association and the Ohio Public Employers Labor Relations Association and is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources.

Associate Vice President for Finance and Administration Terry Conry will chair a committee charged with conducting a national search for a permanent associate vice president for finance and administration for human resources. Conry said his goal is to have the successful candidate in place by the start of fall quarter.