Debra is currently chief executive officer of Ruah Community Services, a leading Western Australian community organisation.
With more than two decades’ experience in the health and community service sectors, Debra is a natural leader and passionate advocate for practical and decisive action to disrupt cycles of social disadvantage. She has worked in senior roles in specialised drug and alcohol services, Catholic hospital executive management, and other related health and community services.
Debra has extensive governance experience. She is currently the Co-Chair of Reconciliation WA, Chair of the Australian Alliance to End Homelessness, and a Member of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Homelessness to the Minister. She has served as a Board Member of the East Metropolitan Health Service and Chair of their Audit and Risk Committee, Member of the National Centre for Social Impact Advisory and as President of the Western Australian Council of Social Services. Debra is a founding member of the WA Alliance to End Homelessness.
Debra has post graduate qualifications in arts, education and counselling and has taught in both secondary and tertiary education settings. She is passionate about lifelong learning and the role that education, training and development play in creating more equitable societies.
