Thursday, November 7, 2002

WRITER: Tom Jackson, (706) 542-8090, tjackson@uga.edu
CONTACT: Hank Huckaby, (706) 542-1361, huckaby@uga.edu

UGA SENIOR VP HUCKABY NAMED TO GOV.-ELECT’S TRANSITION TEAM;
INTERIM LEADERSHIP APPOINTED FOR UGA FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION

ATHENS, Ga. — University of Georgia Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration Henry M. Huckaby, who was director of the state of Georgia Office of Planning and Budget during the administration of Gov. Zell Miller, has been appointed to the transition team of Gov.-Elect Sonny Perdue. As such, he will be on loan to the state government by the university for the coming six months.

Huckaby, who has been in his current position as the university’s chief financial officer since 2000, was director of UGA’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government from 1997 to 2000 and director of the fiscal research program at Georgia State University for the two previous years. Prior to that, he worked for more than 20 years in Georgia state government, holding in addition to the top job at OPB such positions as executive director of the Georgia Housing and Finance Authority and commissioner of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.

During the six months Huckaby is on loan to the governor-elect’s transition team, he will also work one day per week at the university.

"Hank Huckaby’s depth of experience in fiscal management in Georgia state government is unsurpassed, and we are pleased to make his services available in this manner," says President Michael F. Adams. "That Gov.-Elect Perdue would turn to the University of Georgia to fill this key position is a tribute to both Mr. Huckaby and the university."

"I am honored that the governor-elect has asked me to serve in this role and greatly appreciate his confidence," Huckaby says. "Likewise, I am most appreciative of the university’s willingness to make this arrangement possible so that both the institution and I may be of service to the state in this significant way."

Adams has appointed two associate vice presidents in the division of finance and administration to oversee the day-to-day operations of the division during Huckaby’s leave of absence. George E. Stafford, associate vice president and comptroller, will manage administrative matters for the division, while Ryan Nesbit, associate vice president and budget director, will direct budgetary matters.

"We are fortunate to have the depth of leadership in finance and administration that we do, and I have full confidence that Mr. Nesbit and Mr. Stafford will step in and not let us miss a beat while Mr. Huckaby serves in the gubernatorial transition," Adams says.

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