Deborah Arfken
The Siskin Children’s Institute Board of Directors has selected Professor Emerita Deborah Arfken as interim president and CEO for Siskin Children’s Institute.
“Dr. Arfken has extensive experience in education and administration with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga as well as with numerous organizations throughout the community,” said Mary Tanner, Ph.D., chair of the board of directors for Siskin Children’s Institute.
“We believe she will be a great asset to the Institute during this transition.”
Dr. Arfken was a professor in the political science department, administration department and in the Nonprofit Management program at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC). She was promoted to associate professor in 1987, earned tenure in 1988 and became full professor in 1994.
Since 2008, Dr. Arfken has been the university planning director, leading the implementation of the university’s strategic plan through 28 committees and six task forces. She is the chair of the task force on UTC efficiency and effectiveness, and she is also the chair of the strategic plan task force on communication and marketing.
Dr. Arfken’s research and written works have been printed in several publications, and she has presented at conferences, meetings and seminars throughout the U.S. She has also prepared internal grant proposals for UTC as well as external grant proposals for organizations and projects.
She has received many awards including Chattanooga Women of Distinction award in 2011 from the American Lung Association, the Paul Harris Award from the Rotary Club of Chattanooga in 2008 and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Outstanding Service Award in 2005.
Dr. Arfken is currently a member of several community service organizations and boards where she has held various positions including Girls Inc. of Chattanooga, the Rotary Club of Chattanooga and the Chattanooga Women’s Leadership Institute.
She holds a doctorate of education in educational administration and supervision from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. She completed postdoctoral studies at Tufts University and Harvard University.
The board of directors will conduct a comprehensive selection process for a new president and CEO.