Debra Barnes, Executive Director

A specialist in health and human services philanthropy, Debra was appointed to the position of Executive Director of the Alameda County Health Care Foundation in August, 2011. Most recently she served as the Director of Major Gifts and Campaigns at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center in Oakland, where she led the successful campaign for the new $13 million Breast Health Center and helped coordinate initial fundraising for a new Patient Care Pavilion.

Prior to this, Debra held leadership positions in marketing and public relations for several Bay Area community hospitals including Children's Hospital in Oakland, St. Mary's Hospital in San Francisco and Seton Medical Center in Daly City.

Debra first became exposed to the world of urban public health hospitals in the 1990s when Mayor Frank Jordan appointed her to the San Francisco City and County Public Health Commission. She served a four-year term on its budget and appropriations committee and concurrently was a member of the inaugural board of the San Francisco General Hospital Foundation.

A resident of Berkeley, Debra served for several years as a member of the board of the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce and is currently active in the Oakland Rotary Club. She holds a credential as an Accredited Public Relations (APR) professional and is also a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE).

Upon joining the Alameda County Health Care Foundation, Debra commented that her appointment provides "an excellent opportunity for me to meld my fundraising skills with my love of public health and my dedication to the Medical Center's mission of supporting all members of the community in achieving and maintaining optimal health status and quality of life. I look forward to engaging the community in our efforts and to finding ways to enable our supporters to play a positive role in advancing this mission."