Leader replaces whole team of negotiators as per panel

The executive director of human resources is getting a new title.
YOUNGSTOWN -- Youngstown State University President Dr. David C. Sweet is replacing his labor relations team in an effort to improve labor-management relations on campus.
Sweet announced four personnel changes Friday in response to recommendations of the Labor-Management Review Panel that Sweet appointed after YSU faculty and classified employee unions went on strike in August.
"A major theme of the panel's report was the need to start fresh with new faces and leadership in labor negotiations," Sweet said. "With these actions, the leadership of the administration's labor relations team is being completely replaced."
HR exec reassigned
Effective Wednesday, Hugh Chatman, executive director of human resources and labor relations, will be reassigned to the position of executive director of regulatory compliance, a new university post.
The panel had suggested that Chatman be fired.
In his new position, Chatman will be responsible for implementing recent changes to federal employment laws and for reviewing and updating the University Guidebook.
Dr. Ronald K. Chordas, associate provost for academic administration, will become the interim executive director of human resources.
Dr. Nate Ritchey, chair of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, will become interim associate provost for academic administration.
Dr. Teresa Riley, professor of economics, will become the new director of faculty relations, replacing Dr. Tom Maraffa.
The panel had suggested that a new director of faculty relations be appointed.
Maraffa will retain his title of special assistant to the president and coordinator of the university's enrollment management plan.
More decisions coming
John Pogue, chairman of YSU Board of Trustees' Internal Affairs Committee, said further decisions regarding personnel issues will be forthcoming.
He said that the committee had a lengthy discussion with Sweet on personnel matters Thursday and that the president will take that discussion under advisement.