Jim Barksdale

Jim Barksdale has over two decades of experience in various leadership roles. Jim has worked as the Chief Compliance Officer at Abilities Unlimited of Jonesboro, Inc. since 2023, where they focus on providing assistance to individuals with disabilities. Prior to this, Jim served as the Controller at Arkansas PBS from 2016 to 2023.

From 2011 to 2016, they worked at Abilities Unlimited Inc. of Jonesboro as the Director of Quality Assurance/Compliance Officer, overseeing quality controls and ensuring regulatory goals were met. Jim also worked as a Software Consultant at Springbrook Inc. from 2010 to 2011, providing on-site consulting, software configuration, and training for government agency clients.

In addition, Jim held the position of Finance Director & City Treasurer at the City of Jonesboro from 2008 to 2010, where they were responsible for financial matters and budget development. Jim also worked as the Financial Section Manager of Budgeting & Banking at the Arkansas Department of Human Services from 2007 to 2008, and as the President & Chief Financial Officer at the Little Rock Teachers Federal Credit Union in 2005.

Before that, Jim served as the Chief Financial Officer at Dallas Telco Federal Credit Union from 2003 to 2004, and as the President & CEO at Inland Employees Federal Credit Union from 2000 to 2001. Jim also worked as the President & CEO at Southwest Federal Credit Union from 1998 to 2000, where they successfully implemented strategies for growth and improved financial performance.

Throughout their career, Jim has demonstrated strong financial management skills, compliance expertise, and a commitment to providing quality services in various industries.

Jim Barksdale obtained their Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Arkansas State University, where they studied from 1979 to 1983. Jim further pursued their education at the same university and earned an MBA with a focus on Finance, completing the program from 1984 to 1986. In addition to their formal education, Barksdale has also obtained various certifications, including "Communicating Across Cultures," "Fighting Gender Bias at Work," "Skills for Inclusive Conversations," "Unconscious Bias," "Creating a Positive and Healthy Work Environment," "Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging," and "Leading Inclusive Teams" from LinkedIn. Jim also holds a certification in Project Management from George Washington University, which they obtained in March 1993.