KENNESAW, Ga. | Feb 16, 2017

Ann Burris brings expertise from long career in administration

Ann Burris, former assistant deputy commissioner of human resources for the Georgia Department of Human Services, has joined Kennesaw State University as assistant vice president and chief human resources officer.

Burris, who also formerly served as director of human resources for the Georgia Department of Community Health and division director of workforce services for the Georgia State Personnel Administration, will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of human resources administration for more than 7,400 Kennesaw State faculty members, staff and student workers. She will be responsible for HR units handling hiring, compensation, benefits, payroll, policies and procedures, and employee information, training and data services. She will report to Julie Peterson, the University’s chief business officer.

“We’re very pleased to welcome Ann Burris to Kennesaw State to head what is undoubtedly one of the most critical operations of any organization or institution,” said Kennesaw State President Sam Olens. “Achieving the status of one of the state’s most desired places to work takes a great deal of planning and effort. I am convinced that the experience and leadership Ann brings will help the University maintain that distinction.”   

Prior to her recent positions is state government, Burris was as a senior manager for First Data Corp. in Atlanta; an investigator for the U.S. Air Force in Atlanta; a human resources analyst for the Department of Corrections; budget manager for the Atlanta Housing Authority; and assistant regional manager in the human resources administration for the U.S. Air Force in worldwide locations. 

“It is a pleasure to join a team that already has demonstrated a high level of commitment, performance and excellence,” said Burris, who earned master’s degrees in human resources management and public administration from Troy State University. “I look forward to crafting a vision based on the strategic goals of the University, and to encouraging and empowering the HR leaders who work with me to be creative and proactive partners in pursuit of that common vision.”

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.