Then: FRCC A.G.S GRADUATE
NOW: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, CITY OF NORTHGLENN
At the age of 37, Debbie was a single mother of two boys and
knew if she was going to move forward in her organization,
she needed to pivot her life and develop a career. She started
as an administrative assistant at Adams County Economic
Development (ACED) and had been promoted, but to go any
further she needed a college degree. Through her work, she had
become familiar with FRCC’s workforce development efforts and
was impressed. So Debbie started taking classes at FRCC, which
was affordable and convenient, offering night and weekend
classes to fit her busy schedule. In 2000, Debbie graduated
from FRCC with an A.G.S. and transferred to Regis University,
where she earned a B.S. in Business Administration (Small
Business Administration minor) in 2002.
Debbie’s educational foundation allowed her to build a successful
career in economic development. After 16 years with ACED,
where she had worked her way up to executive vice president,
she moved into other leadership roles with Jefferson County
Economic Development Corporation, Colorado Nanotechnology
Alliance, and Colorado MESA. In 2011, Debbie decided to bring
her economic development experience to the City of Northglenn,
where she lives, as its economic development manager and
urban renewal executive director. She works to fuel the local
economy through an increased tax base, job creation, and new
business investments that help improve the quality of life and
services for residents and the community.
As one of 11 family members spanning three generations who
have attended FRCC — including her father, sister, sons, nieces,
nephews and daughters-in-law — FRCC holds a special place in
Debbie’s heart. College could have been very intimidating as an
adult learner, she adds, but FRCC’s dedicated instructors and
staff created a positive, supportive environment.
"Through my job in economic development, I’ve gotten to know
FRCC’s president, Andy Dorsey, and other college leaders, and I’m
consistently impressed by how the college responds to the demands
of industries in Colorado by offering relevant degree and certificate
programs. For me personally, FRCC was an excellent experience. The
college prepared me for Regis University and gave me the skills and
the confidence to be successful."