2012 Social Work Alumni Society Award of Excellence recipient Debra Downing

Deb graduated from Wright State University in 1981 with a bachelor of arts degree from the College of Liberal Arts.

 She joined the Montgomery County Department of Job and Family Services in October of 1991, and has been Assistant Director, Social Services & Income Support since May 2008.  Deb’s entire career has been focused on helping others.  From her early days as a social worker at Shelby County to her current position, she has shown a passion for her work.  And in that regard, Deb has upheld amazing standards of professionalism.  Her strong work ethic is just one characteristic to be admired. She has spent countless hours teaching and mentoring others in the profession.

 Deb has been an Adjunct Faculty in the Department of Social Work at Wright State University since September 2003.

 She was president of the Social Work Alumni Society from 2008 thru 2010 and served as their representative on the Alumni Association Board.  She has been serving her first term as an elected Alumni Association board member since January 2011.

Deb received the Wright State University Social Work Alumna of the Year Award in 2009, completed Leadership Dayton in 2008, and completed the Dayton Dialogue on Race Relations in 2005.  She has received three awards from Montgomery County Children Services:  Manager of the Year in 2003, Employee of the Month in 2003, and the Director’s Service Award in 2002.