On Feb. 28, 2006,whenTed Lewis stepped down as CEO,he was replaced byDebora Matthews. Matthews, a 40-year Detroit resident, is no stranger to The Children’s Center. Her involvement with the agency dates back to 1987 when she began her career at the non-profit as the Finance Director. After leaving the agency in 1988 to pursue a 17-year career in management and finance at Co/op Optical Visions Designs as Chief Financial Officer, she remained involved with The Children’s Center as a volunteer, treasurer of the board from 1993-1996 and board president from 2002-2005. She returned to the staff in April of 2005 to serve as COO.

“This appointment is the conclusion of a yearlong leadership transition plan resulting in a seasoned executive learning the ropes as COO, and now being ready to take the helm.”  says Doug Rich, President of the Board of Directors.  “We look forward to the future under Debora’s leadership.”

Matthews, a native of Pine Bluff, Ark., relocated with her family to Detroit at the age of nine. She graduated with honors from Cass Technical High School in Detroit. She then attended the University of Michigan, graduating in 1978 with a degree in business administration.

Her professional career began in 1978 at Plante & Moran in Southfield, Mich. as a Staff Accountant, performing for-profit and not-for-profit, and municipal financial and compliance audits for several clients.

In 1980, Matthews became Chief Accountant for the Legal Aid and Defender Association, Inc. in Detroit, managing the development of financial systems and processes and managing the accounting department.

Matthews moved on in 1985 to become the Associate Executive for Finance for the YWCA of Metropolitan Detroit.  There she was an integral part of the finance department, overseeing staff and implementing financial reporting software and procedures.  Matthews left the YWCA in 1987 to begin her tenure at The Children’s Center.

During her career, Matthews has also developed and presented several leadership training and financial management workshops, as well as provided personal budgeting & financial planning consultation.

“One of my goals for The Children’s Center is to develop and cultivate our relationship with the Detroit community, collaborating with key organizations in providing the programs and services our children need to heal their hearts and minds and help them to become viable, productive adults”, says Matthews.

When Matthews is not at The Children’s Center, she is actively involved with local and national organizations.  She is a member of the NAACP, a founding member of the Abundant Life Christian Center, serves as president and CEO of Christian Accounting Services, Inc., and is a member of the National Association for Female Executives. Matthews also takes time to travel, sing in the church choir and spend quality time with her husband and three children.