SALISBURY, N.C. — Livingstone College has experienced unprecedented enrollment growth, retention, and student success in recent years. The college signals a strong financial future with the appointment of Kizzy N. Lea as Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Business Operations, effective August 3, 2026.

Ms. Lea brings more than 25 years of executive leadership experience in finance, operations, and strategic planning within higher education and local government. Throughout her career, she has earned a reputation as a collaborative, innovative, and results-oriented leader committed to strengthening institutions through sound financial stewardship, operational excellence, and mission-focused leadership.

Most recently, Ms. Lea served as Chief Operations Officer and Chief Financial Officer at Forsyth Technical Community College, where she provided executive leadership for finance, business services, information technology, facilities, campus police, emergency services, compliance, and capital projects. As a member of the President’s Cabinet and Executive Leadership Team, she guided the development and oversight of the College’s $138 million annual budget, led strategic financial planning initiatives, and partnered with institutional leaders to advance student success and organizational growth.

Before joining Forsyth Tech, Ms. Lea served in executive leadership roles at Winston-Salem State University and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, where she oversaw finance, auxiliary enterprises, budgeting, compliance, and business operations. Her professional journey also includes financial leadership positions with the City of Salisbury and Guilford College, providing her with a broad perspective on public finance, institutional governance, and operational management.

In addition to her executive leadership, Ms. Lea is a dedicated educator who has taught accounting courses as an adjunct instructor at several North Carolina colleges. She is an active contributor to the higher education community through service on numerous professional organizations and governing boards, including the Community College Business Officers Board, the American Association of Community Colleges Commission on Institutional Infrastructure and Transformation, Crosby Scholars Forsyth County, and Smart Start Forsyth County. She is also a frequent presenter on higher education finance, governance, and leadership at state and national conferences.

Ms. Lea holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Guilford College and a Master of Science in Accounting from Strayer University. She also completed executive leadership programs through the UNC School of Government, the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO), and the Southern Association of College and University Business Officers (SACUBO).

As Livingstone College’s Chief Financial Officer and Vice President for Business Operations, Ms. Lea looks forward to working alongside faculty, staff, students, alumni, trustees, and community partners to strengthen the College’s financial future, support its strategic priorities, and advance its longstanding tradition of excellence in educating future leaders.