Deborah Porter is a dynamic and highly experienced leader with over 35 years of professional expertise across diverse industries, including automotive, healthcare, and education. With a proven track record in business transformation, IT strategy, and operational excellence, Deborah has consistently delivered innovative solutions that drive results and foster growth.
As the owner and managing partner of Motor City Diners, operating two Firehouse Subs restaurants in Michigan, Deborah has demonstrated her entrepreneurial prowess. She led the successful launch of the franchise, achieving the highest opening week sales in the state. Even during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, she maintained business operations with a profit margin while prioritizing employee safety. Her meticulous attention to detail and strategic leadership have resulted in an EBIDTA higher than the national franchise average. Beyond her business success, Deborah has also made a significant impact in her community, donating life-saving equipment and uniforms to fire departments in Southeast Michigan.
Deborah’s extensive career at General Motors, where she served for over two decades, further showcases her leadership and expertise in IT and program management. As a Senior Information Technology Manager, Deborah led large-scale transformations, including the delivery of a TeamCenter platform upgrade that impacted 30,000 clients across 12 global databases, 60 application integrations, and 500 library tools. Her efforts resulted in a 15% reduction in project schedules and supplier cost savings totaling $23 million. In her role, she was also a key contributor to the launch of OnStar Insurance, transforming it from an innovative concept into a full line of business.
Her strategic leadership extended beyond IT operations. Deborah played a vital role in streamlining compliance reporting via Azure DevOps, implementing standard operating models, and improving Agile processes across teams. As a Program Manager and Deputy Chief of Staff, she drove strategic initiatives and communications plans that enhanced organizational efficiency and re-established customer trust. Her ability to foster collaboration between business and technical teams, along with her focus on process improvement, positioned her as a thought leader and subject matter expert within the organization.
In addition to her corporate achievements, Deborah has made significant contributions to education through her role as a Board Member for Lake Orion Community Schools. Serving as Board President for four years, she led several strategic initiatives, including establishing new revenue streams through data-driven decisions, normalizing salaries, and integrating out-of-district students. Her leadership helped the board define a mission, vision, and strategic plan for the district, boosting confidence among staff, the community, and fellow board members. She also launched succession planning for Board Officer and Superintendent roles, further strengthening the district’s governance and leadership.
Deborah’s commitment to education and technology extends to her volunteer work with the Michigan Council of Women in Technology (MCWT). As a member of the Scholarship Committee, she helps provide scholarships to students pursuing careers in technology, fostering the next generation of leaders in STEM fields.
Her educational background includes a Master of Science in Business Information Technology from Walsh College and a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science from Michigan State University. Deborah holds a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and has been recognized for her leadership with accolades such as the GM CIO Award.
Known for her collaborative, fearless, and imaginative approach to problem-solving, Deborah is a leader who values integrity and teamwork. Her peers describe her as a good listener and team enabler, while business partners highlight her dependability and honesty. Suppliers recognize her as fair and trustworthy. Deborah’s global experience, which includes working in countries like Spain, Argentina, Germany, and South Korea, has equipped her with a unique global perspective that she applies to every challenge she faces.
Deborah Porter’s career is a testament to her dedication to business transformation, strategic leadership, and community impact. Her passion for building strong relationships, delivering results, and mentoring others makes her a highly respected and influential figure in every organization she serves.
Character:
Deborah Porter is a leader known for her integrity, dependability, and fairness. She is highly regarded by peers, business partners, and suppliers alike for her honesty and commitment to building strong, trustworthy relationships.
Knowledge:
With over 35 years of experience across industries such as automotive, healthcare, and education, Deborah brings a wealth of knowledge in business transformation and IT strategy. Her expertise spans project management, operational efficiency, and process implementation, making her a sought-after expert in delivering large-scale solutions.
Strategic:
Deborah excels in crafting and executing strategic plans that align with business goals, focusing on efficiency, revenue growth, and customer experience. Her ability to see the broader impact of decisions allows her to implement innovative solutions that drive lasting success across organizations.
Communication:
Known for her collaborative approach, Deborah is a skilled communicator who bridges gaps between business and technical teams. She fosters clear communication across all levels, ensuring alignment on goals and inspiring confidence in leadership and decision-making.
