REPRESENTING (ARCH)DIOCESE OF: Lexington, KY
POSITION TITLE: Diocesan Finance Officer
NUMBER OF YEARS IN CURRENT POSITION: 7 years as Diocesan Finance Officer in conjunction with 22 years as Controller
NUMBER OF DFMC CONFERENCES ATTENDED: 21
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS: -In addition to serving as Diocesan Finance Officer, Debbie maintains all the
responsibilities and functions of the Financial Controller.
-Member of the DFMC Board and the Executive Committee, currently serving as Treasurer for the organization.
-In-charge of the Information Technology relationships for the Curia and is the lead contact for the diocesan-wide internet-based phone system she implemented in early 2020. (Real blessing when COVID hit)
-Supervision of the Property and Plant Office of the diocese, including all insurance, easements and other related activities, along with the Diocesan Building Commission (DBC) and related contracts and insurance. Debbie restructured the membership of the DBC to include experts in multiple related professions.
-Significantly reduced the overall debt of the diocese and implemented new standards for borrowing (new debt or refinance) and compliance with debt
covenants.
-Converted the Diocese to an online comprehensive HR system and a cloud-based accounting platform with a standardized chart of accounts 15+ years ago. The Finance Office regularly monitors and controls the accounting platform.
-Conducts semi-annual training and discussion meetings with the Business Managers, Bookkeepers and Accountants in the Diocese. The Superintendent of Education, principals and multiple priests attend and participate also.
-Implemented summer training programs for people new to the accounting and financial leadership roles in the diocese and a “Priests Intro to Finance” workshop.
-Secured PPP loans for the Curia and other diocesan entities.
BRIEFLY DESCRIBE YOUR BACKGROUND PRIOR TO WORKING FOR THE (ARCH)DIOCESE: Prior to working for the diocese, Debbie successfully
owned and operated retail businesses in four malls. She also spent several years with a public accounting firm, focused principally on audits.
ANY PERSONAL INFORMATION: Debbie is a recent breast cancer survivor/thriver blessed by many answered prayers. She has been married to her
husband Bob for 36 years. They are blessed with two adult children, Will (Las Vegas) and Anne Marie (Santa Monica).
EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS, ETC.: Debbie has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Pikeville. She is a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Global Management Accountant, Certified Diocesan Fiscal Manager, and holds a Certificate in Church Management from Villanova University.
PARISH/CHURCH AFFILIATIONS: Debbie and her husband are active members of Pax Christi Catholic Church.