Debra Tornaben

Debra Tornaben is an award-winning development professional, television producer, and advocate for both the arts and humanitarian causes. For over 35 years, she has raised millions of dollars for nonprofits supporting the arts, the elderly, children in foster care, and those affected by trafficking, with a lasting impact on the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast.

Debra began her career with a successful capital campaign for The Salvation Army before helping to repurpose a historic estate into a prominent club and event space. She later played a key role in establishing Miami City Ballet in the Palm Beaches. For more than a decade, she served as a host, producer, and trustee at PBS, creating award-winning programs and events, including Women with Wings and Wisdom. As President of KidSanctuary Campus, she led the development of a 10-acre residential campus for children. Now, she oversees advancement for Catholic Charities, where she has significantly increased major donor support.

Debra serves as a Trustee of the Palm Beach North Chamber, a board member of the American University of Rome, and is active in NIAF and the Palm Beach Round Table. She has received numerous honors, including three National PBS Awards and the Angel of Hope Award. Debra and her husband Peter, together for 39 years, are members of Jupiter Hills Club and enjoy restoring properties and spending summers in Italy with their two grown children.