Debbie brings a high level of enthusiasm to her work and matches it with effective outcomes.
“Her extensive development experience and deep knowledge of our community give her an exceptional base from which to serve her clients. She is self-motivated, follows through on goals and meets or exceeds objectives in a timely manner. Debbie can work well independently or as part of a team. She is a pleasure to work with, and Belmont Abbey College has benefited greatly from her work on our behalf. ”
— Phil Brach, Vice President for College Relations, Belmont Abbey College
Debbie’s organizational skills and energy helped catapult Gaston Aquatics to the next level.
“She assisted us in formulating and executing a plan to bring our transformational project, The Gaston Regional Aquatic Center, to reality. Debbie is very knowledgeable about compliance standards for nonprofits; helped to guide the development of our mission statement, creation of our case statement, naming rights, and marketing/solicitation materials; trained the board in how to use this information in developing a plan to make solicitations; and assisted with the identification and drafting of grant applications for the project.”
— Donna Taylor, President of the Gaston Aquatics Board of Directors
Debbie was exactly what Least of These Carolinas needed to put together a plan for our building campaign.
“She was timely in her responses and delivered above and beyond what we expected. We would 100% recommend her services to anyone that is needing guidance for raising more funds for their organization.”
— Susanna Kavanaugh, Executive Director of Least of These Carolinas
When I think of Debbie and her work, several words come to mind: Thorough. Passionate. Resourceful.
“We needed some additional energy to finish out our campaign. Debbie was organized, persistent, and winsome. The results were many unexpected gifts for our campaign. I just wish we had engaged her sooner. We will use her services again!”
— Dr. Marc Stout, Head of School, Gaston Christian School
Debbie’s strength in building lasting connections has proven very beneficial in her role with our organization.
“Debbie was hired as an independent contractor to support the re-launch efforts of the organization’s planned giving legacy society. Debbie has met all expectations of our agreement in a professional and timely manner. You can count on her to do what she commits to, and often, beyond!”
— Michelle Spreitzer, CFRE, Former Director of Development, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
When it comes to both Fund Development and overall Organization Development, Debbie is smart and strategic.
“She immediately got to work creating short and long-term goals and related strategies while, almost simultaneously, putting each one into action. Debbie’s communication skills, both oral and written, are exceptional. She has written grants and drafted eloquent letters to key constituents and is forward thinking in her approach. I would highly recommend Debbie to any organization or company needing leadership and support in helping achieve results in fund development and communications.”
— Lori Vaccaro, President of On Eagles Wings
Debbie’s vast experience and work ethic make Debbie an excellent resource for any organization that must raise funds to complete their mission.
“In addition to Debbie’s experience, she is team-oriented with an enthusiastic approach to each project. Debbie tackles each challenge with the desire to serve well. I highly recommend Debbie Windley as a fund development consultant for any organization.”
— Phyllis Hendry Halverson, President Emeritus, Lead Like Jesus
I have worked on many small, medium, and large projects with Debbie.
“She brings everything she has to each effort – whether it is organizing a karaoke team to compete in Run for the Money or raising millions of dollars. With Debbie, you get the whole package. She is a strong person with a solid core of beliefs and values that infuse her life and her work. She is loyal, committed, focused, hardworking, creative, and tenacious. If you want something done and done right, give it to Debbie Windley.”
— Ann Tippitt, Executive Director, The Schiele Museum of Natural History
Debbie is a conscientious, hardworking, and compassionate individual who has a long track record of service to her/our community.
“She is highly respected for her coordination of various programs and events which have provided benefit for our healthcare system. She is an effective leader who holds herself to a high standard, and she exemplifies excellence in all of her accomplishments.”
— Dr. Kelvin Harris, CaroMont Health physician
Mrs. Windley has helped to make Spartanburg a better place for youth and adolescents in our community by bringing her talents as a fundraising consultant to Healthy Smiles of Spartanburg.
“Mrs. Windley is an outstanding individual with a vigorous dedication to pursue excellence in achieving the oral health needs for Spartanburg County children through her development expertise. Her exemplary work ethic has proven her to be a person of integrity as she empowers Healthy Smiles board members and staff to be “all they can be.” As a highly effective consultant who has high expectations of herself, she continues to provide Healthy Smiles board and staff with the instruments and knowledge to forge ahead for desired results so that Healthy Smiles may continue to meet the needs of our community’s most valuable citizens, Spartanburg County children. Any organization would be fortunate to have Ms. Windley in their court.”
— Kathleen (Kitta) Cates, Executive Director, Healthy Smiles of Spartanburg
I was honored to serve as a volunteer on a committee that Debbie put together to develop CaroMont Health Heroes.
“CaroMont Health Heroes is a grateful patient program that provides a means through which hospital patients and their families can recognize employees who provide extraordinary care.”
— John Connor, retired business owner and community volunteer
Debbie has a talent for seeing the gem of a fundraising potential and matching it with a donor.
“She is a tireless worker, always upbeat and positive which creates a natural attraction for people to become involved in her projects. She thinks big and isn’t afraid to tackle what seems insurmountable or what hasn’t been done before. She has a knack for keeping ideas alive, fresh, and inviting. With little or no direction, Debbie is a self-starter who can be counted on to deliver far beyond what is promised or expected.”
— Hunter Bretzius, Editor (retired) of The Gaston Gazette
Debbie has an extensive knowledge of donor cultivation and the fundraising process and has demonstrated the ability to make the “ask” at the appropriate time.
“She is highly admired and respected throughout Gaston County and the surrounding communities and has cultivated an extensive network of donors over the last two decades.”
— Bill Gary, retired business owner and community volunteer
Debbie Windley is an exceptional leader. Her effectiveness is evident in an extraordinary resume that demonstrates competence, creativity, and innovation.
“She has initiated significant improvements in every position she has ever held, making organizations stronger, more effective, and more visible. She is a person of high energy with an outgoing personality who sees what needs to be done and then focuses on the task with intelligence, unlimited energy, and just plain hard work.”
— Barbara Voorhees, former Executive Director of the Carrie E. and Lena V. Glenn Foundation
Debbie Windley is a seasoned, knowledgeable professional with special expertise in all types of fundraising and institutional advancement.
“Debbie is determined, creative, and results oriented. As primary donors, my family and I worked directly with Debbie in a major project at The Schiele Museum of Natural History in Gastonia. Without Mrs. Windley’s care, attention to detail, friendliness and overall talent, the project would not have been the overwhelming success that it was.”
— Gene Matthews, business and community leader
I have personally witnessed the effectiveness, under Debbie’s leadership, in transforming the ability of Gaston Hospice to make significant increases in the organization’s ability to increase our charitable fund raising.
“The ground work she has laid for increased charitable giving will benefit both Gaston Hospice and the CaroMont Health Foundation for years to come.”
— Louis Mitchell, former Gaston Hospice Board Chair
When one rides around Gaston County and sees the new buildings and impressive development at Gaston Christian School, The Schiele Museum, and CaroMont Health, Debbie Windley’s distinct mark is on each one of them.
“Debbie is competent, thorough, a visionary, dependable, ‘graciously’ aggressive, organized, and she will go above and beyond what is expected of her in any role. She is most respected in this community for her strong work ethic and the results that she achieves….Debbie’s approach to achieving these goals is to identify and gather the right people for the appropriate jobs, lead through quiet, humble service, and go out and get jobs done, all the while working tirelessly on whatever task is at hand.”
— Janie Peak, Board member and community volunteer
Debbie is focused on motivating people to achieve important objectives and she excels at team building and collaborative action.
Debbie Windley is an experienced professional that brings excellent organizational and leadership skills, a dedication to bettering or community, and great enthusiasm to all that she tackles. She also demands that performance goals and metrics be established and that they are measured to determine effectiveness. She exhibits a rare blend of charitable and community commitment, motivational excellence and business-like focus.
— Mark Cramer, attorney, CEO and Consultant
Debbie was especially attentive and helpful as I considered a contribution in memory of my late husband, State Senator James S. Forrester, Sr., MD.
“The naming of the Doctor’s Lounge was accomplished and completed with exemplary professionalism, notice, and accommodation.”
— Mary Frances Forrester, Parliamentarian, Board member, and community leader