Donnell Adams

Human Resources Director

Dr. Donnell Adams serves as the Director for the NC Department of Administration’s Human Resources Division. In his role, Dr. Adams manages all agency employment opportunities, employee-related policies and procedures and oversees DOA’s organizational development and employee relations.

Dr. Adams joined DOA in 2017 and has over 20 years of human resource management experience. In addition to his role at DOA, Dr. Adams serves as a faculty member for the School of Management and Innovation at Colorado State University-Global Campus instructing human resource courses.

A career built on serving others, Dr. Adams is also a retired US Air Force senior officer with experience in multiple career disciplines including transportation, civil engineering, human resources, chief of staff, security, and many others.  

He is a graduate of North Carolina Central University, where he received a degree in public administration. He also attended Central Michigan University and the United States Air Force Air University, Air War College, receiving master’s degrees in administrative science and strategic studies. He holds a doctorate in organization and management in addition to a doctorate in theology among other academic and professional credentials.