Deborah K. Marshall was born in Tyler, Texas in the shadow of Debutants, Rose Queens and Football Cheerleaders — a long way from where her careers took her to Dallas, New York, Washington, DC and now Florida.
Often asked to speak to both small and large groups, Deborah weaves into her stories the circuitous and sometimes painful path she took to find herself right where God intended her to be.
Deborah has a special way of connecting with her audience, creating an “us” feeling rather than a superficial persona on a stage. It’s that connection that reveals the depth of her struggles as well as the victory of walking in freedom when we allow God to be the guide of our lives. The rich stories and often the use of props are a hallmark of Deborah’s speaking style. Each presentation is geared for its audience and brings into focus some specific points that allow the attendees to leave with memorable and actionable steps
Deborah “earned her stripes” in Corporate America in the often-fluctuating world of for-profits. She moved from the creative scene of Hollywood’s cinematic productions– where she was named one of the leading creators of the “Who Shot JR” advertising campaign for Panavision to the highly competitive world of real estate redevelopment. She was the executive in charge of strategic development and daily management of several mega projects.
The switch to not-for-profit organizations, specifically healthcare, was an eye-opener for her, but one that she tackled with all the panache she normally brings to her projects. She was a key leader and negotiator in bringing stakeholders together for a landmark joint venture between a public hospital system and a large Catholic healthcare system. In a first-ever ruling in the nation, the Ethical and Religious Directives of the Catholic healthcare system were upheld for their facilities by the state of New York so that both parties (public and private) remained “winners” in the merger. The combined system is now thriving beyond projections and expectations.
Deborah is the Chief Executive Officer of the American Fundraising Foundation (AmFund) and President of the American Fundraising Educational Foundation, a Federally recognized 501(c)3 organization with national headquarters in Maitland, Florida. AmFund supports over 800 nonprofit organizations nationally and is known by its tagline: “We Fund Your Cause”, raising more than $67 million for worthy causes. She is an expert in strategic initiatives and is an exceptional leader with over 30 years’ experience in national and international arenas.
Deborah knows firsthand the challenges nonprofit organizations face in the ever-changing climate of grant cycles and funding shortages and was recognized in 2020 as the Fundraiser of the Year by Nonprofit Pro. As the world of nonprofits found themselves having to pivot to virtual events in 2020, Deborah brought educational programs, new digital platforms, and production tools to organizations across the country, allowing them to thrive in an environment of change. Her disciplined and logical approach to managing any situation– combined with her business acumen and passion for success– provide a firm foundation for AmFund’s phenomenal growth in helping hundreds of deserving nonprofits nationwide.
Deborah was a contributing writer to The American Cinematographer, an international trade publication; recipient of several awards including Woman of the Year, Community Crown Award, New York State Supporter of the Arts, and received special recognition by the Washington Press Club for outstanding service in the field of Public Relations. She was recognized in 2024 with the International Legacy Award by the Modern Widows Club. She has been a Mistress of Ceremonies for many celebrity events including the 91st Birthday of Helen Hayes. Deborah continues to be a noted motivational, inspiring speaker and exceptional facilitator. She enjoys speaking to diverse groups on a wide range of topics.
Some of her speaking topics include:
- Spiced Peaches and Other Divine Directives
- Who You Are When EVERYONE is Watching
- Why Hide – When You Can Heal
- Is an Eraser Enough?
- Does Anybody Have a Glue Stick? I’m Falling Apart
- From Toxic to Terrific – Changing the Work Culture
- How to Gain the Media’s Attention
- How to Engage Your Board of Directors in Fundraising
- What is Your Organizations Why – Why does it Matter
And many, many more.