University President Lee Bollinger, in an effort to organize his office, has created a new administrative position.
Chacona Johnson, the University's director of principal gifts in the Department of Development, has been named chief of staff by Bollinger.
Her responsibilities will include coordinating the president's internal and external communication with constituents and senior officials, as well as advising him on issues regarding policy development.
After receiving approval from the University Board of Regents at this week's meeting, Johnson will move into Bollinger's office next Monday.
In addition to being named chief of staff, Johnson will take on the title of associate Vice President for Development, joining the ranks of associate Vice President for Development Roy Muir.
"I think it's an excellent opportunity. Chacona's just an outstanding person for it," Muir said. "It will be a great position, and it affects both President Bollinger broadly and his relationship with the Development program."
Johnson said she is looking forward to collaborating with Bollinger on his goals for gift solicitation and fulfilling Bollinger's requests from faculty and student groups.
"I think it's a very good opportunity," Johnson said. "I am excited about working with Bollinger.
"There are a lot of demands of him and only so many hours in the day," Johnson said, adding that she will advise Bollinger on how to best match requested appointments with his priorities.
Associate Vice President for University Relations Lisa Baker said the creation of the chief of staff post is Bollinger's first step in managing his office's affairs.
"Different presidents handle their offices in different ways - it's really a matter of personal style," Baker said.
Johnson said her approval as chief of staff will mark the inauguration of the appointment. However, past presidents have appointed assistants or created other positions through which they organized their offices.
Bollinger said that Johnson possesses the experience and attributes necessary to take on the challenges her new position entails.
"Through her years of service in Development, Chacona has long-standing relations with our most significant contributors. But she is also wise and tactful diplomat of the first order," Bollinger said in a written statement.
Johnson has been an integral part of the Campaign for Michigan, the drive in which gifts are solicited for the University's various schools and programs. The most recent campaign, which began in 1990 and is scheduled to end this September, brought in 27 donors making contributions of $5 million or more.
Johnson's salary will be $120,000 per year. She will also continue to work as director of principal gifts.