Page 28 - Spring 2019 Extension Magazine

28 INSPIRE

Cover Story

SUSAN CLIFTON
LEADING

EXCELLENCE IN

THE FAR REACHES

In the remote Alaskan north, an accountant

is adding it all up to grow ministry programs
W Clifton at a Big Eight accounting firm to

hen
Susan
helping manage a friend’s business
finances. Volunteer opportunities
became
also incorporated her love of num-
chief finan-
bers and math.
cial officer of
When her husband was sta-
the Diocese
of Fairbanks in 2013, the financial tioned in Germany, she helped to
raise more than $100,000 each year
situation of the diocese was dire. for improvements to the military
Many vital programs were being cut base. When they retired to Alaska,
for lack of funds. Today it is a world-
class organization, supporting the
Alaskan bush country and adding
programs to support its residents Scammon Bay
and ministries. in the Diocese of
“I had never thought about Fairbanks is on
accounting or finance as a minis- Alaska’s west coast,
one mile from the
try,” she said, “but I do feel like I Bering Sea.
can make a difference here.”
Before she arrived at the dio-
cese in 2009, Clifton’s professional
experience varied from working