This month’s edition of “Foundation for Success” features a conversation with Pitt Community College alumna Paula Loftin from Ayden.
A 2001 accounting graduate, Loftin works as county financial operations manager for the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, providing mentorship, coaching, support, guidance and resources to county finance offices across North Carolina. She is also a passionate volunteer with service to many worthy causes, including the Ayden Rotary Club, Meals on Wheels, Boys & Girls Club, and the Arts and Recreation Foundation of Ayden.
“Giving back is something that is very important to me, and I find it incredibly rewarding to contribute my time and energy to causes that support and strengthen our communities,” she said.
In 2024, the PCC Foundation presented Loftin with an Outstanding Alumni Award in recognition of her professional success and efforts to make a positive difference in the lives of those in her community.
Q. Tell us a little about your occupation and how you got started in it.
A. My role involves collaborating with finance professionals throughout the state, helping improve financial procedures, supporting compliance requirements, sharing best practices, and connecting counties with the tools and resources they need to operate effectively. What I enjoy most about my work is helping local governments strengthen their financial operations and build confidence in their ability to serve their communities.
I got started in this career by building a solid foundation in public sector finance and accounting and gradually taking on roles with greater responsibility in fiancé, accounting and financial management. My interest in problem-solving and improving organizational efficiency naturally led me into financial operations. Over time, I discovered a passion for supporting others and helping organizations succeed, which made this role a great fit. Public service has been especially rewarding because it allows me to use my financial expertise to make a positive impact on counties and the residents they serve.
Q. Tell us a little about your family.
A. I have been married to my husband, Melvin, since 1997. We have spent a lifetime together building our family, which includes two sons: Connor (19 years old) and Zachary (17).
I love that my family has connections to PCC through work and school. My husband has been employed at Grady-White Boats (a valued supporter of PCC) for more than 45 years. My older son Connor started at PCC while in high school in the technical academy studying HVAC and is set to graduate with his associate degree in August 2026. My younger son is still in high school but is also a part of the technical academy studying in the electrical program.
Q. What are some of your favorite hobbies?
A. One of my favorite things to do is spend time outdoors. Whether I’m grilling with family and friends, hunting, or fishing, I enjoy any opportunity to be outside and connect with nature. These activities allow me to relax, recharge, and spend quality time with the people who are important to me.
Overall, my hobbies reflect the things I value most—spending time with family and friends, enjoying the outdoors, and finding meaningful ways to serve others.
Q. What is one thing most people wouldn’t know about you but would find interesting?
A. One thing most people wouldn’t know about me is that whenever I travel across North Carolina’s 100 counties for work, I make it a point to visit local businesses and shops along the way. I love finding unique items, local specialties, or handmade products to bring home to my family so they can experience a little piece of the communities I’ve visited. It’s become a fun tradition that allows me to connect with the places I travel, support local businesses, and share those experiences with my loved ones.
Q. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received and why?
A. One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received came from one of my first directors in local government: “Not everyone works with the same speed and enthusiasm.”
That advice has stayed with me throughout my career. It taught me the importance of patience, understanding, and meeting people where they are. As a leader and mentor, I’ve learned that everyone has different strengths, experiences, and ways of approaching their work. Rather than expecting everyone to operate the same way, I’ve found that taking the time to understand and support individuals leads to stronger relationships, better teamwork, and greater success overall.
It’s a perspective that continues to influence how I work with colleagues, county finance staff, and the communities we serve across North Carolina.
Q. What does your PCC education mean to you?
A. My PCC education means a great deal to me because it was the very first thing I did completely for myself. Pursuing my degree was a personal goal, but it was not something I accomplished alone. The unwavering support, encouragement, and belief from my mom, dad, and husband helped push me forward, especially during the times when balancing school, work, and life felt challenging.
Earning my accounting degree gave me a strong foundation that has supported me throughout my career. The knowledge and skills I gained opened doors to opportunities in finance and local government, ultimately leading me to a career that I truly enjoy. More importantly, completing my degree gave me confidence in my abilities and showed me the value of perseverance and hard work.
Looking back, my PCC education was the beginning of a journey that has shaped both my professional career and personal growth, and I will always be grateful for the support system that helped me achieve it.
Q. In your words, what is the value of PCC to Pitt County and the region?
A. Pitt Community College is a tremendous asset to Pitt County and the region because it provides accessible, affordable education and workforce training opportunities for students of all ages. One of its greatest strengths is the variety of programs available, including opportunities for high school students to earn college credits and get an early start on their education and career goals.
Beyond its programs, PCC’s caring faculty, staff, and resources help students succeed both academically and professionally. PCC played an important role in building the foundation for my career, and it continues to make a lasting impact by preparing students for the workforce and strengthening our local communities.
Q. What would you tell someone who is considering attending PCC?
A. Do it. PCC provided the foundation for my career and gave me opportunities that have had a lasting impact on my life, both personally and professionally. The programs are affordable, the instructors and staff genuinely care about student success, and there are resources available to help you reach your goals.
Whether you’re just starting college, changing careers, or looking to build new skills, PCC offers a pathway to success. My experience at PCC gave me the confidence and education I needed to move forward, and I would encourage anyone considering it to take that first step, you never know where it might lead.