By Matthew Cimitile, University Communications and Marketing
Debbie White, a former business owner and vice president of Governmental Affairs and Economic Development for the Clearwater Chamber of Commerce, has been appointed to a four-year term as a member of the USF St. Petersburg Campus Board.
White is a respected community leader in Tampa Bay and has provided her expertise and support to numerous organizations over the years, including Leadership Pinellas, Morton Plant Mease Foundation, Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce, the YWCA of Tampa Bay, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Dunedin Fine Arts Center and the Safety Harbor Library Foundation. She is currently the Chairman of the Board of Directors at Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc.
In 2018, White was named Ms. Clearwater.
“Debbie has an extensive history of dedicated service to our community which spans more than 40 years,” said Melissa Seixas, the chair of the USF St. Petersburg Campus Board and a member of the USF Board of Trustees. “Her experience in public engagement, volunteerism and business leadership will bring a wealth of knowledge to USF’s St. Petersburg campus.”
The USF St. Petersburg Campus Board was established by the Florida Legislature in 2001. Members are appointed by the USF Board of Trustees upon recommendation by the USF president. The board consists of five members residing in Pinellas County who serve staggered four-year terms.
White earned an Economics degree from Allegheny College in Pennsylvania and went on to work for Dun & Bradstreet in Boston. She has been a resident of Pinellas County since 1984, where she had a two-decade sales career. After selling her business, she went on to work for the Clearwater Chamber of Commerce (now Amplify Clearwater).
“Debbie White will bring extensive business acumen and leadership experience to our Campus Board, which will be vital for maintaining our continued progress,” said Christian Hardigree, regional chancellor of USF St. Petersburg. “She also has a very big heart, dedicating her time and energy to many worthy causes that have lifted up our region, including at USF.”
White has been a strong supporter of USF over the years, giving support to women’s golf and the USF College of Marine Science Oceanography Camp Especially for Girls.
“As a proud resident of Pinellas County for more than 40 years, I have seen firsthand the incredible growth of USF St. Petersburg and the impact it has had on so many in our community,” White said. “I am thrilled to join the campus board and contribute to this institution’s trajectory as it helps future Bulls attain their academic goals and achieve their dreams.”