Affectionately known as Gramma Rama by four grandguys, this grandmother’s career has been focused on advocacy for early childhood. 

After a Masters degree in Early Childhood from Michigan State, she launched preschools in northern Michigan, advanced professional development for preschools through Governor Rendell’s program in Pennsylvania, and co-authored an early childhood health and safety curriculum for a leading national publisher. 

Along the way, she has served on the Boards of Michigan Land Use Institute (now Groundworks), Northern Michigan Planned Parenthood, and Women for a Healthy Environment (in Pennsylvania). She was President of Scenic Michigan, of the Petoskey Ski Boosters, and she co-chaired the Horton Bay Parade for ten years. Deb also served two terms as Emmet County Commissioner while chairing Health Department, Finance Committee, and Transportation Committee. 

Camp Daggett has been close to the heart of Deb’s family for a while. Over 40 years ago her husband, John (affectionately, Grumps), served on the same Board. 

Deb’s appreciation for the land was cultivated alongside five siblings on the family’s 160 acre homesteaded farm in mid-Michigan. In her words for Camp Daggett, “I have profound respect for the conservation ethic of the founders and their successors in preserving the natural state of this generous legacy. Their insight will guide my every decision on this Board.