April 18, 2016

DeKALB, Ill. – Debra Boughton, a member of the Northern Illinois University Athletics senior administrative team for the past six years, has been named the department’s Chief of Staff, NIU Associate Vice-President Sean T. Frazier announced Friday.

Boughton, who adds the Chief of Staff title to her roles as Senior Associate Athletics Director for Finance and Operations and Senior Woman Administrator, has taken on additional duties in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the department over the past academic year. She has also organized the department’s program prioritization efforts and taken a leadership role in strategic planning. “I am excited Debra will continue to provide outstanding leadership to our department and support to our coaches, staff and most importantly, hundreds of Huskie student-athletes, in the role of Chief of Staff,” Frazier said. “Debra’s efforts and her work have been invaluable to me as we move NIU Athletics forward. Although she has been handling many of the duties of the Chief of Staff since September, at this point we are proud to publicly and officially announce the expansion of her duties to this role.”

Boughton, who has managed all of NIU Athletics’ financial operations, including personnel, budgets and contracts and serves as the liaison to the university financial and legal offices, is also the sport administrator for NIU’s women’s basketball, volleyball, men’s soccer and softball teams.

“I am very happy to take on the increased responsibilities of Chief of Staff for NIU Athletics and appreciate Sean’s confidence in naming me to this position,” the Texas native said. “This is a great opportunity to continue to lead the department and I’m honored to take on the new challenges that this role provides. I am focused each day on continuing to move this department and NIU forward.”

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