12-year Ohio University HR veteran prepared to tackle new position 
Apr 1, 2010
By Monica Chapman

Linda Lonsinger, an attorney with more than 20 years of human resources experience, was named Ohio University's chief human resource officer, effective March 1.

She joined the university community in 1998 and has devoted more than 12 years to Ohio University's Human Resources Department in the areas of labor and employee relations, as well as leadership and staff development. Lonsinger also formerly served as interim chief human resources officer from May to November of 2008.

"Linda is well-respected for her knowledge, experience and her focus on providing the services people need. She understands the need to provide HR policies, practices and services that support the university's mission," said Associate Vice President of Finance and Administration Terry Conry.

In her new role, Lonsinger is charged with developing, implementing and managing human resource programs for Ohio University's 4,100 employees, who work at six campuses and two centers in Southeast Ohio.

Lonsinger said her long-term goals include increasing Ohio University’s Human Resource services, aiding recruitment efforts, leveraging technology, and improving the department's ability to serve the university as a strategic partner.

Of the many human resources projects currently underway, Lonsinger will oversee the development of a new compensation plan for administrative staff as well as the document imaging of all personnel files for classified and administrative employees in the coming year.

Lonsinger said her confidence heading into such large-scale projects rests upon the competency of her 24-member staff. 

"You can go to any HR in the country, and I don't think you're going to find any group that is brighter, more dedicated and more caring," she said. "They're always wanting to help and willing to do more. Like so many other departments, our only constraint is resources."

According to Conry, Lonsinger's wide breadth of experience makes her well-qualified to face the fiscal challenges ahead.

"Linda has extensive experience and a solid foundation in each functional area of HR. When faced with difficult issues, she engages with departments to find solutions that work," he said.

Before coming to Ohio University, Lonsinger worked for 10 years with the Ohio Nurses Association, as a staff representative for nurses in collective bargaining. It was this experience that first piqued her interest in human resources – a field that continues to fascinate Lonsinger.

"I like working with people. I like solving problems. I like the quasi-legal side to human resources…Every area of human resources has its interests for me," she said.

Lonsinger graduated from the Capital University School of Law in 1987. She also holds a bachelor of science in nursing from Ohio State University.

In her free time, Lonsinger enjoys theater, hiking, riding her ATV, and caring for her three horses.

Lonsinger succeeds Luis Lewin, who accepted a position with Purdue University. Lewin served as associate vice president for human resources from November 2008 to February 2010.

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Linda Lonsinger