NWACC selects Buckley as new chief financial officer

Debi Buckley of Fayetteville, who has served as interim senior vice president for administrative services and chief financial officer since Oct. 1, has been chosen to continue in the role on a permanent basis.
 
“Debi has done an outstanding job in leading a large division that’s responsible for many critical functions, including college operations, budgeting, facilities planning, human resources and information technology,” said Dr. Becky Paneitz, NWACC President.

“She has demonstrated a strong commitment to the institution and its students, and she possesses a keen understanding of the fiscal challenges facing higher education. I think she is a great fit for the senior administrative team, and we are pleased to have someone with her skills and experience providing leadership in these key areas.”
 
Buckley said she is grateful for the opportunity to serve in the role.

“We have an outstanding team dedicated to supporting the college,” she said. “It’s truly an honor to work within Administrative Services and with the key college leaders to serve our students and our region.”
 
This is Buckley’s second stint at the community college. She served as vice president for finance and administration at NWACC from April 2006 through March 2008. During that time, she was chief fiscal and administrative officer, reporting to the president.
 
She has more than 18 years of management experience in finance and administration in both academic and operational areas.
 
Buckley holds a juris doctorate from the University of Arkansas School of Law, a master’s degree in education from Texas A&M University, and a bachelor’s degree in occupational education from Wayland University in Plainview, Texas.
 
Buckley was chosen for the position after a search committee completed the process of reviewing applications, interviewing finalists and providing a recommendation to Paneitz.