Debra L. Fitzsimons is the new vice chancellor for administrative affairs at UH-Hilo.

Fitzsimons joins UH-Hilo with more than 13 years of executive business experience, most recently from Southwestern Community College District in the San Diego, Calif., area where she served as vice president of administrative affairs and chief business officer since 2005. As a key adviser to the college president, she was responsible for policy direction and leadership for all district fiscal business and administrative services. In addition to an $85 million operating budget, she oversaw $14 million in special revenue funds and $56 million in local bond funding earmarked for major college construction, building, repairs and renovation projects.

"Dr. Fitzsimons brings outstanding qualifications to this important position," Tseng said in a released statement. "Her extensive experience in fiscal and human resource matters will serve UH-Hilo well during this critical period of growth and development."