Kizzy Lea is chief financial and operations officer at Forsyth Technical Community College in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. In this episode, Lea joins host Melissa Farley to discuss leadership evolution beyond finance, embracing operational innovation, and creating student-centered institutional impact.
“Get comfortable wearing multiple hats—it’s not just about finance anymore. Technical skills are just the foundation,” Lea says, offering guidance to emerging higher education leaders. “Your credibility will be shaped as much by how you lead people as how you manage the dollar.” She emphasizes the value of diverse experience—from facilities management to crisis response.
Join us for a conversation with Lea as she shares insights on implementing artificial intelligence in community colleges, navigating state budget uncertainties, and transforming campus spaces to enhance learning experiences.
Links
- Find Kizzy on LinkedIn
- Check out NACUBO’s other podcasts!
