Debbie Immel | SIU Foundation | SIU

Debbie Immel joined the SIU Foundation as Director of Development for the College of Health and Human Sciences in January 2026. She assists with fundraising initiatives for the college, with a special focus on supporting the Community Care and Education Center and brings more than 17 years of experience in philanthropy.

Before entering the nonprofit sector, Debbie spent 15 years in sales and marketing for major clothing manufacturers. She began her fundraising career as a volunteer grant writer for the American Red Cross and advanced to Chief Development Officer, where she managed teams of up to 25 fundraisers. Throughout her career, Debbie has built sustainable major gift programs, engaged boards, and led award-winning teams that raised more than $165 million for causes including disaster relief, blood collections, military support, workforce development, education, and youth homelessness.

Most recently, Debbie worked as a philanthropy consultant, sharing her expertise with nonprofits seeking to make a lasting impact.

Debbie earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from The University of Texas and holds a certificate in Fundraising Campaigns from Capital to Comprehensive from the Indiana University School of Philanthropy. She is also a graduate of the Grantsmanship Center and Leadership Austin. Outside of work, Debbie is a mosaic artist and has served on the board of the Society of American Mosaic Artists.