City Council Unanimously Appoints Ola Terrell as Columbus HR Director

By a unanimous vote, city councilors on Tuesday, Jan. 27, appointed Ola Terrell as the new human resources director for the Columbus Consolidated Government.

Terrell brings more than 18 years of progressive leadership experience in local government and the public sector, with expertise in strategic workforce planning, employee and labor relations, organizational development, policy administration, compliance, and benefits administration.

Since 2023, Terrell has served as human resources director for the City of Americus. Her previous roles include chief human resources officer at Albany State University, human resources director for the City of Germantown, and human resources director for the Ware County Board of Commissioners.

“With her people-centered leadership, ability to navigate sensitive employee matters with integrity, and dedication to fostering a culture of engagement, transparency and service, I am confident Ola will serve employees and citizens well,” Mayor Skip Henderson said.

Terrell holds a master’s degree in public administration and is a Senior Certified Professional through the Public Sector Human Resources Association (PSHRA-SCP). She is also a certified crisis coordinator and an active member of several professional organizations. Her experience in coaching, mentoring and conflict resolution reflects a commitment to professional excellence, Henderson said.

“I am grateful for this opportunity,” Terrell said. “I have been privileged to serve in the public sector for many years, and I look forward to serving the employees of the Columbus Consolidated Government and this vibrant community.”

During the meeting, Terrell emphasized communication and collaboration as priorities, thanking council members for the appointment and expressing enthusiasm about working alongside city leadership.

Originally from Leesburg, Georgia, Terrell has two adult children and owns two dogs, Bri and Buster.