Debra Jacobs

Background

About Debra Jacobs

In January 2009, Debra Jacobs became the President and CEO of The Patterson Foundation, based in Sarasota, Florida. In honoring the Patterson heritage, The Patterson Foundation believes that through communications, technology, and financial innovations, improvements may be achieved that transcend any single issue, entity, or geographic area. The Patterson Foundation provides resources to facilitate, expedite, and share methods, techniques, and tools, joining with others in creating New Realities. Prior to transitioning to Patterson Foundation, Debra was President of the William G. Selby and Marie Selby Foundation, based in Sarasota, Florida. In addition to the Selby Foundation, Debra was responsible for the administration of eight other independent foundations. Prior to joining the Selby Foundation in May 1998, Debra was the Vice President for Institutional Advancement for Ringling College of Art and Design. Debra was responsible for admissions, alumni relations, career services, the design center, development, financial aid and marketing. Debra came to this position after eleven years as Executive Vice President for SunTrust Bank, Gulf Coast. Prior to joining SunTrust in December 1985, she was Senior Vice President and Retail Division Administrator of Central Trust Company in Rochester, New York. Debra received her undergraduate degree summa cum laude from Utica College of Syracuse University in 1971 and earned her MBA in 1981 from the University of Rochester. In 1986, she graduated from the Stonier Graduate School of Banking. Debra has held leadership positions on numerous local, regional and national boards. She is a graduate of both Leadership Florida and Leadership Sarasota. Debra served on the executive committee of the Augsburg Fortress Publishing House and the church-wide reorganization LIFT task force of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and is Past Chair of the Southeastern Council of Foundations (SECF) board.