Bogdan announces retirement, interim AVC named
John Bogdan, associate vice chancellor for safety and security, has announced his retirement from UNC Charlotte effective June 30, 2024. Christopher Gonyar ’05, MPA ’07, director of emergency management, will assume the duties of interim associate vice chancellor effective July 1.
“John has led safety and security on our campus admirably for the past five years, including through some of the most challenging times our University has ever experienced,” said Vice Chancellor for Business Affairs Rich Amon. “We are grateful he let us know privately several months ago about his intentions so we could plan for a smooth transition, and we are grateful for his many contributions to our community.”
Bogdan, a retired U.S. Army colonel, led the University’s response to the April 30, 2019, campus shooting, including the safety enhancements that followed. He also oversaw the COVID-19 response, allowing the campus to continue operations during the pandemic.
Among his other notable accomplishments during his tenure at the University are the enhancement of the campus’s video security system in public areas, the implementation of the student ranger program and the ongoing access control project for locks on classroom doors.
“While the past five years have had their share of challenging experiences, I am proud of the work Safety and Security has accomplished with so many of our partners across campus,” said Bogdan. “My wife, Christine, and I are retiring and moving closer to our grandson to be a bigger part of his life as he grows up. UNC Charlotte is a fantastic university, and I will always be proud to be part of Niner Nation.”
About Christopher R. Gonyar ’05, MPA ’07
Christopher Gonyar ’05, MPA ’07 has served as director of emergency management at UNC Charlotte since 2014.
In that time, he built a fully developed Office of Emergency Management, led the development of the University’s NinerAlerts program and crisis response protocols and worked across campus to develop critical partnerships, including the cross-divisional Incident Management Team.
In his new role at UNC Charlotte, Gonyar will be responsible for the coordination and oversight of the plans and programs that protect lives and property, prevent accidents and incidents, and preserve the learning environment and business operations of the University. This includes police and public safety, environmental health and safety, and emergency management.
“Chris has been instrumental in preparing our campus to respond quickly and efficiently to any emergency,” said Amon. “His team was at the forefront of our recovery from the operational crises we faced over the past several years. His work has positioned the University as a leader in the UNC System and beyond for emergency management response, and I know he will bring those same skills to the interim AVC role.”
Gonyar was named Employee of the Year for Safety and Heroism in 2021.
Prior to joining his alma mater as a staff member, he served as an emergency management consultant with Tetra Tech (formerly Beck Disaster Recovery, Science Applications International Corporation, Leidos). In this role, Gonyar worked with jurisdictions and organizations across the country on a variety of emergency management planning and exercise initiatives. During his time at Tetra Tech, he focused on continuity of operations, planning for functional needs populations, emergency management in higher education and Homeland Security Exercise Evaluation Program compliant exercises and trainings. In 2019, Gonyar was awarded the Certified Emergency Manager designation from the International Association of Emergency Managers.
Gonyar graduated from UNC Charlotte in 2005 with double majors in history and political science and again in 2007 with a Master of Public Administration. During his time as a student, he was actively involved in the North Carolina Student Legislature, the UNC Charlotte Student Government Association, and he was selected as the honorary bell ringer for the 2007 Spring Commencement.