3 p.m., Oct. 27, 2008----Jennifer "J.J." Davis, cabinet secretary and director of the Office of Management and Budget for the state of Delaware since 2005, has been named vice president for administration at the University of Delaware, Executive Vice President Scott Douglass announced today. Her appointment is effective Nov. 11.

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The vice president of administration reports to the executive vice president and provides vision and creative leadership for the University's human resources functions, including personnel supervision, planning, program and staff development and evaluation.

As the chief human resources officer for the University, Davis will oversee such areas as recruitment, compensation, payroll, labor relations, employee relations, employee assistance and benefits.

“J.J. Davis brings a wealth of experience in human resources management, administrative and support services, as well as facilities and physical plant management that will be key to this position,” Douglass said. “As the University of Delaware moves forward on its new Path to Prominence^TM, J.J.'s insight, experience and energy will be invaluable.”

Delaware Gov. Ruth Ann Minner said, "J.J. has served Delaware admirably in one of the state's most challenging positions. As a key member of my cabinet, J.J. has always been someone I can count on for thoughtful and thorough assessments of complex issues facing this state. In just three short years as OMB director, J.J. made significant strides toward streamlining government processes and bringing my vision of an efficient and effective state government to reality. In addition to leading the effort to earn OMB the prestigious Delaware Quality Award of Commitment, she has helped the state successfully navigate numerous financial challenges. J.J.'s hard work and personal dedication to the state should be commended.”

"My career with the state of Delaware has been a wonderful and fantastic experience," Davis said. "I am fortunate to have been given the opportunity to serve the citizens of Delaware under the leadership of Gov. Ruth Ann Minner. I look forward to joining the senior management team at the University of Delaware and working with the talented faculty and staff there."

A key adviser to the governor on financial and policy matters, Davis organized dynamic, cross-functional teams to solve complex public policy issues and implemented solutions.

Davis led the reorganization and streamlining of three separate government cabinet agencies (Budget Office, Administrative Services and State Personnel Office) into one integrated 460-person Office of Management and Budget. As OMB Director, she was responsible for the management of key state assets to include people (human resources, employee benefits), money (budget development and execution, purchasing, pensions, risk management) and facilities. She also implemented a comprehensive strategic plan and key performance indicators for all of OMB.

She has worked for the state of Delaware since 1993, previously serving in such capacities as budget director, deputy secretary of education and associate secretary of education for policy and administrative services.

Davis was named an International Women's Forum Fellow in 2008 and one of the "Top 30 Women in Business" that same year by Delaware Today Magazine, as well as one of the "Top 25 People to Watch" by Delaware Today Magazine in 2005.

In 1993, she earned both her bachelor's degree in political science and her master's degree in policy analysis from Pennsylvania State University, through its integrated Undergraduate-Graduate Degree program.