Debra L. Schlies, who is Vice President, Advancement at the Lighthouse has spent over 20 years raising money or administrating grants for university hospitals and social service agencies.

Prior to her appointment as director of development in 2008, Schlies served as the agency’s associate director of development for nine years.

Prior to serving people living with blindness, she worked for children with multiple disabilities at University of Wisconsin Waisman Center and for women with cancer at University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. 

A graduate of East De Pere High School in Wisconsin, Schlies is an alumnus of the music departments at University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh and University of Colorado, Boulder. 

Among her many outside interests, she is actively involved with the Lions and currently serves as president of Chicago Central Lions Club, referred to as the “Mother Club” of Lions Clubs International.