Debi Boughton (GMLC Class of 2009) retired in March as the Tourism Director for the Kirksville Area Chamber of Commerce, a position she has held for the last 15 years. She began working for the Kirksville Chamber of Commerce as a project manager, and was named Tourism Director in 2007. Debi has been a unique leader for GMLC as she was selected as a regional coordinator prior to participating in the Challenge. She continued as a regional planner for Greater Missouri since graduating. Debi’s leadership in introducing the issues facing Missouri communities and how they are similar to or different from other regions of the state has been instrumental in the planning and implementation of the Kirksville portion of the Challenge.  She has shared her passion for the region with enthusiasm over many years and her contributions have been significant.

Many know that Debi is also a licensed attorney who served as a Juvenile Attorney for the 2nd Circuit for 5 years and practiced law for several years before joining the Chamber of Commerce staff.  She has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Missouri – Columbia, and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Missouri – Kansas City.

Debi and her husband, Chuck, have been married for more than 30 years. They have 3 grown children and are happy grand parents. Chuck is an instructor in Business Management and Accounting at Truman State University.