Senior Staff

Christine Riley

Chief of Staff

Christine Riley joined UNC Asheville in October 2005. Previously, she worked closely with UNC Asheville Chancellor Anne Ponder at Colby-Sawyer College. A New Hampshire native, Riley's responsibilities primarily involve people and planning. She currently oversees the Human Resources Department and the Communication & Marketing Department, and is overseeing the implementation of UNC Asheville’s strategic plan through her work with the University Planning Council. Riley brings 20-plus years of experience as a human resources generalist in settings that include higher education, telecommunications, manufacturing, and the library services industries. Her specific areas of expertise include communication strategies, organizational development, strategic planning, employee relations, and project management.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Averett College (now Averett University) in Danville, Va., which led her to begin her professional career in magazine publishing. Before changing career fields, she developed a broad background in the world of newspaper and textbook publishing, as well as writing, pre-print production and web design. However, she reports that her many years in communications and human resources have not had nearly the influence on her professional life as has her experience as a defenseless child of two English majors. A graduate of Antioch New England Graduate School, she is also a licensed psychotherapist who has worked in primary care settings as well as private practice. She is married to artist Michael J. Koza.

Location: 250 Phillips Hall, Phone: 828.251.6500