LP 40 for 40 – Debby Anderson
The Plano Chamber of Commerce’s signature program, Leadership Plano, celebrates its 40th anniversary! For the past 40 years, Leadership Plano has been dedicated to educating, developing, and empowering current and future leaders for the community and motivating them to serve civic, charitable, and business organizations.
We are celebrating the impact of the past 40 years by spotlighting 40 Leadership Plano graduates who have paved the way for future generations, created meaningful change for the community, and continue to serve in leadership roles. This celebratory series, Leadership Plano 40 for 40, is Presented by UBS – The Kravitz Group.
Introducing our next spotlight, Leadership Plano Class 9 Graduate, Debby Anderson. Debby is a former Plano Independent School District teacher in Art at Haggard Middle School. She began her community involvement with the Junior League career in 1983. She has served in many capacities including President, Executive Vice President, executive committees, many council and review positions, Chaired Hip, Hip for Gray (a senior citizen craft fair), Children’s Pediatric Surgery Waiting Room Committee, Nominating/Placement Chair, Ways and Means Chair, Gala Chair, Decorations Chair/Gala and Invitations/Reservations Co-Chair.
Since moving back to Texas in 2005, she has been a Junior League of Collin County Advisor to ‘Neath the Wreath’, Membership Event Planning, Membership Development, and Membership Council. She has also served as Sustainer Co-Chair and received Sustainer of the Year in 2010. Her other community service includes Women’s Auxiliary of Children’s Health since 2016 with Patient Cart, Legacy of Love Committee, Blanket making, Christmas Wrap of Staff members, and Staff Development.
Since her husband retired in 2007, they have been traveling the world. This year we traveled to New Zealand, Australia, and to Punta Canna, Dominion Republic.
1. What first made you interested in participating in Leadership Plano?
Having moved to Plano in 1978, I began teaching art in the PISD. When my children were in elementary school, I was looking to volunteer in our community. I became involved with the Junior League of Plano, but when I was elected to serve as President. I needed to know as much as I could about our community and Leadership Plano gave me the opportunity to do so. LP made me a better leader.
2. What is the most memorable part of your experience (or what is something that was happening in Plano that you remember about that year)?
Participating in The Ropes Course was a highlight of my year. I even used this for part of my leadership training for my Board of Directors, Project Chairs and Ways and Means Chair.
3. Why do you think LP is so impactful for our community?
Being in existence for 40 years says it all…. Plano has grown to be a community where everyone wants to live, play, and work. People care about our community and want to be more knowledgeable.
4. What is one thing you can attribute to LP that is a success in your life or career?
Networking possibilities that were gained through my participation in LP. Knowledge that I shared with the junior league and friends.
5. If your class had a class project, what was it and why was it important?
It was a diverse group of individuals that came together to learn more about Plano. I became a friend to so many different individuals that I never would have met.
