Debra has played a pivotal role in advancing mission-driven work for nationally recognized nonprofits such as Keep America Beautiful, AFS-USA, and Outward Bound Costa Rica. Her expertise spans securing multimillion-dollar grants, stewarding corporate partnerships, and managing high-performing development teams. Notably, she has personally secured more than $3.7 million in annual funding and led campaigns that consistently exceeded goals.

In her consulting roles with state affiliates of Keep America Beautiful, including Pennsylvania, Texas, and Massachusetts, Debra has designed successful development strategies, strengthened board engagement, and delivered measurable funding results. Her work has directly supported environmental stewardship, community empowerment, and DEI-focused initiatives.

Her earlier career in banking and corporate marketing provided a strong foundation in strategy, brand development, and team leadership, including roles as First Vice President at Comerica Bank and Vice President at US Bank.

A dynamic communicator and mentor, Debra is also deeply committed to service, having held frontline and leadership volunteer roles with organizations like HAVEN and AFS-USA. She is a proud member of Planet Women’s 100 Women Pathway, aimed at increasing female leadership in the environmental sector.

Debra holds academic credentials from the University of Colorado, Northwestern University’s American Banking Institute, Roosevelt University, Rochester Institute of Technology, and the University of London.