People

James Duffie, a Palm Beach State College alumnus and the College’s longtime controller, has been appointed vice president of finance and administration.

Duffie will report directly to President Ava L. Parker, J.D., and serve on her executive cabinet. He replaces Robbi Stivers, who served in a similar role for more than a year.

“I’m very pleased to appoint Jim to this position during a critical time for our College and our nation,’’ Parker said. “We need consistency and focus as we work to navigate the challenges created by the coronavirus pandemic and finalize our budgetary process for the next fiscal year. I’m confident that Jim can provide the leadership and continuity we need.”

Duffie, a Florida native who lives in Delray Beach, joined PBSC in 2002 as controller for the Finance Department. He helped lead the College through the implementation of its Workday cloud-based payroll and financial systems.

Prior to joining PBSC, he worked for more than three years as director of businesses services for Northwest Florida State College. His other experience includes audit team leader for the Florida Office of the Auditor General and district manager for Rite AID. He earned his Associate in Arts degree from PBSC in 1989 and Master of Accountancy degree from the University of West Florida. He is a certified public accountant.

“I’m excited and honored to have the opportunity to lead our Finance and Administrative teams at Palm Beach State College. I look forward to continuing to work with everyone at the College,” Duffie said. “As an alumnus, Palm Beach State certainly gave me hope, advanced my skills, and transformed my life. I will continue to work hard bringing my knowledge, experience, and skills to the PBSC community.”