James W. Gallaher Jr. serves as vice chancellor for human resources at the University of Pittsburgh. In support of Pitt’s mission, he oversees all HR functions and provides strategic and transformational leadership in the development and implementation of employee-focused functions of the University, including benefits, compensation, employee and labor relations, organizational development, HR information systems, and HR shared services. Additionally, he oversees the University Child Development Center.
Prior to this role, Gallaher served as the executive director of strategic initiatives at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. His career spans numerous higher education institutions, as well as the corporate sector, including roles as vice president of human resources, diversity, and wellness at Butler University and chief human resources officer at Eastern Michigan University. Gallaher started his career in HR at General Motors in Detroit, Michigan, where he served in various capacities including HR consulting, labor relations, global organizational capability, leadership development, training and evaluation, and organizational development.
Gallaher received his Ph.D. in human resource development from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he also earned his MBA and Ed.M. degrees. He holds undergraduate and master’s degrees in workforce education and development from Southern Illinois University. A proud veteran, Gallaher received an associate’s degree in applied sciences from the Community College of the Air Force.