Professional Life

Debra’s interest in health care began in 1970 when she started working part time at Rose Medical Center in the metabolic kitchen and main food service while attending Denver East High School. Debra went on to serve as a paramedic at Swedish Medical Center in Denver. At Hunterdon Medical Center, NJ, she managed the inpatient and outpatient specimen procurement departments, including the county specimen transport team.  Debra transitioned to medical research and equipment development as the US General Manager for ICT Chromatography, a European based company who developed and sold chromatograph equipment. Later, her professional focus changed to information technology where Debra worked as the Marketing Director for Sysoft a software development company based at the World Trade Center until 09-11-2001.

Non-Profit Experience

After her family moved to New Jersey in 1982, Debra began pursuing opportunities for public service. She served as President for the Parent Teacher Association and later was elected to the School Board in Hunterdon County, NJ. There she chaired the curriculum committee and served on the grant committee. After 9-11, Debra decided to support her two son’s who both enlisted in the military, serving the military as a Army Family Readiness Leader where she worked closely with Military Command, assisting in the deployment of soldiers and their families, recruited and managed volunteers, became a Master Trainer for new Family Readiness Leaders, and was appointed to a General Advisory Board at Fort Totten, NY as a voting member and parliamentarian. Debra was presented with honors for her 12 years of service by US Army Command at West Point, NY.

The Importance of St. Vincent Health and the Health of Lake County

Debra’s commitment to health care and supporting veterans runs deep. She personally understands the importance of having outstanding health care in the community you live in. Critical Access Hospitals provide quick medical response, which in many cases is lifesaving. She is passionate about contributing to the health of the Lake County community.

Personal Life

After many years in New Jersey, Debra returned to her home state of Colorado and happily adopted Leadville has her new home. She enjoys, dog roading, music, traveling, learning the history of Leadville and the surrounding area, visiting ghost towns and socializing with friends and family. She finds working at her ranch outside of town to be an opportunity to learn new things, and appreciates the skills required to live a more rural lifestyle. Most of all, Debra enjoys spending time with her three Aussie Siberian pup’s and Nelly Bell, her beautiful quarter horse.