Kristifier Paxton

Kristifier Paxton has a diverse work experience in the field of community development, planning, and engineering. Their most recent position was as the Director of Community Development at the City Of Siloam Springs, starting in September 2023. Prior to that, they served as the Director of Planning & Development at the City of Conway, where they were responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations within the Planning & Development Department. Before that, they worked as the Development Compliance Manager at the City of Rogers, Arkansas, where they ensured compliance with local, state, and federal laws in relation to development projects. They also served as a Planning Commissioner at the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas, providing oversight on various development requests. Earlier in their career, they held positions such as Senior Project Designer and Technical Services Manager at the City of Springdale, Arkansas, and GIS/IT Coordinator at the City of Van Buren, Arkansas. Kristifier previously worked as a CAD Technician & Rodman at Hoffman & Associates, Inc., and as a CAD Draftsman at Brixey Engineering & Land Surveying, Inc. They also have experience serving in the Army National Guard as a Canoneer.

Kristifier Paxton is currently a PhD student in Public Administration at Liberty University, a program that began in 2022 and is expected to be completed by 2025. Prior to pursuing a PhD, Kristifier obtained an Executive Post-Graduate Certificate in Public Administration from Liberty University in 2023.

In 2013, Kristifier attended Post University and obtained a Master's Degree in Geospatial Information Systems. During that time, Kristifier also earned a Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Information Systems in 2014. Before the Master's program, Kristifier completed a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Geographic Information Systems from Post University between 2010 and 2012.

Kristifier's education journey started at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith in 2008, where they earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Computer Aided Drafting & Design - Architectural. During the same period, they also obtained three Technical Certificates in Computer Aided Drafting & Design, specializing in GIS/GPS Mapping, Digital Design, and General CAD/CADD Drafting & Design.

In addition to the formal degrees earned, Kristifier has obtained several certifications. They became a Certified Arkansas Planning Official through the Arkansas Public Administration Consortium in June 2021. In May 2016, Kristifier obtained the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Technician certification from the University of Arkansas. Prior to that, in March 2015, they earned the Hazus-MH Professional certification with a specialization in Flooding from FEMA. Kristifier also holds a Notary Public (NP) certification from the State of Arkansas, obtained in May 2014. In the same year, they became a Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) through the Association of State Floodplain Managers, Inc. (ASFPM). Lastly, Kristifier obtained the Certified Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP) certification from the GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) in October 2013.