In 1981, at age 25, she was recognized in the St. Petersburg Times as the selling broker for the largest transaction in Pinellas County history – the sale of the Pasadena Golf Club to Metro Development of Atlanta, for $10 million, which sold it to US Steel (USX) for $12 million, in a $22 million simultaneous transaction. US Steel developed the property into the Pasadena Yacht and Country Club waterfront community.

An avid athlete, Debra is a "master rower" and certified scuba diver. She was one of the founding families of the Sarasota Crew Rowing Team and president of the Sarasota Crew Booster Club for three years. Her hobbies include spinning, yoga and windsurfing. She enjoys cooking and is a gourmet chef. 

She has been a “Parent Connector” for MIT for four years, representing Southwest Florida. She and her son formed a MIT Summer Send-Off get-acquainted program for student and parents in 2002. She is a member of the Women's Council of Realtors, receiving its “Superstar” Award in 2001.  In January 2006, she was named chairman of the Sarasota Association of Realtors (SAR) Public Information Committee.