Kent State University President Lester A. Lefton announced today the appointment of Willis Walker as vice president for human resources and chief university counsel, effective immediately.

Walker, who has been the university’s chief counsel since 1999, has served as interim vice president for human resources since the January departure of Carolyn Pizzuto, who left the university for a private sector post.

“Clearly we face a very competitive market for developing, recruiting and retaining the best talent,” Lefton says. “Under Mr. Walker’s leadership, the division’s customer service and technological capabilities have improved significantly. 

“I appreciate the vote of confidence and look forward to continue working to enhance Kent State’s reputation as one of the best places to work in Northeast Ohio,” says Walker.  For the second year in a row, Kent State University has been ranked one of the 99 great workplaces for top talent in Northeast Ohio by the Employers Research Council.

Walker’s dual appointment also supports the university’s expense management goals by eliminating a cabinet-level vacancy.

Before joining Kent State, Walker served as vice president/general counsel/corporate secretary for Lockheed Martin Idaho Technologies Inc. and was the assistant chief counsel for Lockheed Martin Energy Systems Inc. Previously, he also served as special counsel in the Ohio Office of the Attorney General and assistant law director for the City of Chillicothe, and had a private law practice in Chillicothe.

Walker earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Akron and his Juris Doctor from the University of Akron School of Law. He also holds a Master of Law degree in banking from the Boston University School of Law.