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Every endeavor Chris Allinger engages in comes together much like a symphony.
One group delivers the fundamental bass line, another adds the tempo, while others join in with tunes and harmonies — all uniting in a harmonious sound.
“It’s incredibly gratifying to collaborate with a team that comes together to meet a deadline and complete the task,” remarked Allinger, University Human Resources process enhancement and project manager. “I enjoy being a part of it, and I find participation in such projects very meaningful.”
Prior to his tenure at the University of Georgia, Allinger obtained his bachelor’s degree in music education from the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences’ Hugh Hodgson School of Music. Following his graduation, he served in Auxiliary Services as an assistant retail dining manager, overseeing as many as 13 dining establishments across campus at one point. During this period, Allinger also earned his MBA from Georgia Southern University and transitioned to a new role as retail dining manager, managing both full-time employees and student staff.
After some time, he was ready for a change and took on a position as a project lead for the OneUSG Connect implementation in 2017. As the lead for employee and manager self-service, he collaborated with campus departments to collect requirements and communicate new business protocols to end users. In his capacity as security lead, he aided in establishing the OneUSG Connect security framework prior to its launch.
From that point forward, he facilitated other associated projects and processes to enhance their efficiency, which included implementing Smartsheet.
“Tasks that once required weeks or even months can now be finalized in a single day,” he stated. “It’s been a remarkable enhancement.”
Allinger credits much of his managerial approach to his time spent studying saxophone. It instilled in him a sense of self-motivation and taught him vital organizational and time management skills.
“The instructors I had at the School of Music played a crucial role in developing my work ethic, just as much as mastering notes and rhythms,” he said.
While with Auxiliary Services, Allinger gravitated toward process improvement. He consistently looked for methods to boost efficiency, whether through streamlining operations or adopting new technologies. He has continued this focus to make the process for retiree-rehires simpler.
Allinger thrives on challenges and problem-solving, which fits perfectly in a role that can vary each day. His responsibilities may involve policy revisions, addressing data requests from the University System of Georgia, or participating in a series of project meetings.
Allinger’s daily responsibilities revolve around project and task oversight, ensuring initiatives stay on track and processes operate smoothly across multiple priorities.
He is actively engaged in several strategic initiatives, such as aiding in employee transitions for the new School of Medicine, contributing to enhancements in talent management processes, and supporting Journeys, a project aimed at modernizing UGA’s approach to career development.
“Being part of such significant efforts, initiatives that affect so many individuals and will shape UGA’s future, is profoundly meaningful,” he expressed.
Allinger relishes working with teams from across all of UGA’s schools, colleges, and departments. He is perpetually seeking methods to improve procedures and invites discussions on how to achieve that.
“That’s my aim — to cultivate a positive experience for everyone and to help simplify their lives,” he stated. “Enhancing people’s lives and making their work simpler is what brings me the greatest fulfillment.”
Outside of his professional duties, Allinger continues to perform in a community band and often attends concerts and films. He also appreciates traveling with his family.
In both personal and professional spheres, Allinger endeavors to step beyond his comfort zone and embrace the new and unfamiliar.
“I’m honored that people place their trust in me to accomplish these tasks,” he remarked. “I genuinely care about what I contribute. It holds significant meaning for me to do what I get to do.”
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