Debi Fitzgerald

Background

About Debi Fitzgerald

I am motivated by work which positively impacts the lives of others as individuals and the community at large. The following quote from George Bernard Shaw sums up my philosophy to the work I do: “I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the community, and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live. Life is no 'brief candle' to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for a moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to the future generations.” ~ George Bernard ShawThe majority of my career has focused on providing the leadership to advance an organization’s strategic plan and improve organizational performance through the development of policies, procedures and organizational systems, the last 17 years of this in higher education. I have administered Federal programs and grants, which has provided me years of experience interpreting and ensuring compliance with Federal, State and local laws, regulations and standards. Providing direction and oversight of administrative operations, including personnel management, grant writing and day to day administration of budgets and recordkeeping systems has been a major portion of my work. This includes extensive involvement in the preparation and analysis of budgets, complex reports, contracts and surveys.My experience includes establishing and assessing objectives and outcomes for programs using proper tools for measurement and documentation of results. I have extensive experience in the development and implementation of major events. Throughout my career, in addition to serving on many boards, I have also directed various community boards and local government advisory councils. I’ve also developed major campaign and marketing pieces, press releases and oversee all aspects of marketing for each of the programs for which I’ve administered.