David Jones, newly appointed director of Workforce Initiatives for Harvard. Photo by Kris Snibbe.

David Jones, an attorney with extensive experience in managing employee relations for universities and in the private sector, has been appointed director of Workforce Initiatives for Harvard University, according to Polly Price, associate vice president for human resources

Price says that Jones, who is a graduate of Morehouse College, has a "very strong" background in workforce management and employee policy, serving most recently as manager of corporate employee relations and human resources at Southern California Edison Co.

"David Jones has the experience and the know-how to coordinate Harvard's efforts to recruit and retain the diverse and talented workforce needed to support the University's mission," says Price.

Commenting on the appointment, Provost Harvey Fineberg said, "I'm looking forward to working with David and the many others at the University who are committed to creating a work environment that welcomes individuals from a wide range of backgrounds to the Harvard community."

Jones, who has a law degree from Howard University and an LL.M. in labor and employment law from Georgetown University, spent time working for both institutions as an employee and labor relations specialist. As director of Employment and Human Resource Services for Georgetown's Medical Center, he managed the dispute resolution process and was responsible for contract administration, grievance handling, and union negotiations.

At Harvard, Jones will be a member of the senior team of the Office of Human Resources, which reports to Polly Price. He will continue work begun by Herb Vallier, who served in a similar position in the Provost's Office. Jones will work collaboratively with Provost Harvey Fineberg and with Jamie Hoyte, assistant to the President, as well as with human resource officers and managers throughout the University to develop and sustain programs designed to improve management, career development, and other activities that will enhance Harvard's ability to attract, recruit, and retain excellent staff members.