Human Resources Director Chosen

Candace R. Corvey, the associate dean for finance in the faculty of Arts and Sciences, will replace Diane Patrick as director of the Office of Human Resources on June 1, officials confirmed yesterday.

When she takes over, Corvey will become the seventh director in eight years for an office that has been plagued by internal problems. While Patrick is credited with bringing stability to an office once known as a "black sheep" in the central administration, her departure has caused some turmoil in the office.

An official announcement will be made in this Friday's Harvard Gazette, said Acting Vice President for Government, Community and Public Affairs Jane H. Corlette.

"I think she's terrific person for the job," Patrick said in an interview yesterday. "I couldn't be more pleased that she was selected."

The vacancy was filled quickly during a week in which administrators are still reeling from the sudden departure of Provost Jerry R. Green. Harvard's announcement last week that the provost would return to the economics department left three of the top seven administrative posts at the University open.

Two vice presidencies of the University, including the position Corlette is temporarily filling, have been open for nearly a year. Patrick's replacement was selected after less than two months.

Patrick and Vice President for Administration Sally H. Zeckhauser--who decided on Corvey--praised the appointment in two memos to Office of Human Resources staff yesterday. The memos were obtained by The Crimson.

"I have known Candace for many years as a good colleague, a successful manager, a wise adviser and a warm individual with a wonderful sense of humor," Patrick wrote. And Zeckhauser said: "Candace has spent the past few weeks talking with a wide variety of people involved with human resources both centrally and in the schools."

"Throughout this process, Candace impressed everyone with her commitment and enthusiasm for the job, her deep understanding of Harvard's culture, particularly from the faculty perspective, and her impressive grasp of crucial human resources issues, such as benefits and compen- sation," she continued.

Corvey participated in the 1989 contractnegotiations with the Harvard Union of Clericaland Technical Workers, as well as the Green-ledtask force on benefits. She is also a member ofthe administration's data task force, according tothe memo.

Patrick said last month that the would leaveher post and move to Washington, D.C., where herhusband, Deval L. Patrick '78, was recentlyconfirmed as assistant attorney general for civilrights.

Since her appointment to the Office of HumanResources in June 1992. Patrick has gained therespect of Harvard administrators and some workersas a competent manager who brought direction to ahistorically listless office.

Both Patrick and Zeckhauser emphasized the needfor a smooth transition.

"While Diane has created a new credibility forhuman resources in terms of both image andsubstance, there is a way to go--a journey thatwill take not only steady leadership andinitiative but an ability to engage all of usalong the way," Zeckhauser wrote in her memo.

"I trust that you and [Corvey] will give eachother all the support that I know you will needduring this time of change," Patrick wrote to herstaff. "I will look forward to working with herover the next several weeks as we begin thetransition to her leadership.

Corvey participated in the 1989 contractnegotiations with the Harvard Union of Clericaland Technical Workers, as well as the Green-ledtask force on benefits. She is also a member ofthe administration's data task force, according tothe memo.

Patrick said last month that the would leaveher post and move to Washington, D.C., where herhusband, Deval L. Patrick '78, was recentlyconfirmed as assistant attorney general for civilrights.

Since her appointment to the Office of HumanResources in June 1992. Patrick has gained therespect of Harvard administrators and some workersas a competent manager who brought direction to ahistorically listless office.

Both Patrick and Zeckhauser emphasized the needfor a smooth transition.

"While Diane has created a new credibility forhuman resources in terms of both image andsubstance, there is a way to go--a journey thatwill take not only steady leadership andinitiative but an ability to engage all of usalong the way," Zeckhauser wrote in her memo.

"I trust that you and [Corvey] will give eachother all the support that I know you will needduring this time of change," Patrick wrote to herstaff. "I will look forward to working with herover the next several weeks as we begin thetransition to her leadership.