Communications Consultant
Joined the SDF Board of Directors in May 2024
Debbie is a consultant delivering communications services to individuals, businesses, and nonprofits through her LLC, DLW Executive Communications. She helps her clients craft and deliver compelling messaging that assists them with meeting their goals and objectives. Prior to her consulting practice, she spent 42 years leading corporate communications teams in the financial services sector, providing support to bank presidents and CEOs, including those with the former Security Pacific National Bank, Santa Barbara Bank & Trust, and Union Bank.
Debbie was introduced to the National Search Dog Foundation in September 2023 as a pairing ceremony guest. Although she knew about the organization from other board members, she was unprepared for the full impact of the SDF experience. In a word, she was amazed by the vision of its founder; the spectacular campus, the talent and engagement of staff, the bond with first responders, and the truly remarkable rescue dogs in transition to rescuers themselves.
The “bonus” of the day was meeting a three-year-old member of SDF’s Lifetime Care community, who was available for adoption and his next adventure. The bond with this intelligent, exuberant, loving boy was instant, and “Jackson” was soon a thriving member of the Whiteley pack. Fast-forward nine months, and Debbie was honored at the invitation to join the SDF board. She is extremely excited about the organization’s future and committed to helping share the story of SDF’s extraordinary work that saves canine and human lives.
A 25-year resident of Rancho Embarcadero, she holds a BS in Communication Arts from Cal Poly Pomona. “Off the clock,” she and her husband enjoy their eight grandchildren; Major League Baseball; Shakespeare plays; and time with Jackson, who is an enthusiast of backyard zoomies, family car trips, couch cuddles, and walks at Shoreline Park.