2016 Butterfly Brunch | Debra Waller

The speaker for the 2016 Butterfly Brunch is Debra Steigerwaldt Waller, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Jockey International, Inc. Ms. Waller will speak from her family, work, and volunteer experiences in a talk titled "Lessons I Learned at the Family Table: Reflecting on Life's Faith, Values, and Passions." Ms. Waller was named Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Jockey International, Inc. in January 2001, following in the steps of her mother, Donna Wolf Steigerwaldt, who had previously held this post in the family-owned business. Debra joined the company as an Administrative Assistant in 1982 and quickly ascended into the role of Merchandise Manager of Jockey for Her in 1983. Debra's growth within Jockey continued when, in 1991, she was named Director of Women's Merchandising. She became Vice President and General Merchandise Manager of Jockey for Her, and in 1994, was named Senior Vice President of Special Markets. In 1995, she became Executive Vice President and Assistant to the President until 2000, when she was named Vice Chairman of the Board and Assistant to the President.

She received a bachelor's degree in elementary and special education from Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

Debra is currently on the Board of Directors of The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. In 2005, Debra founded Jockey Being Family, a corporate citizenship initiative committed to strengthening adoptive families for successful futures. In the past, Debra has served on the Board of Trustees of Carthage College, Board of Directors of Church Mutual Life Insurance Company and M&I Marshall & Ilsley Bank. Debra was a founding member and served on the Board of Directors of MargaretAnn's Place, a non-profit, community-based organization dedicated to providing peer support groups and services for grieving children, teens, families and communities who are coping with death and dying.

Proceeds from the Butterfly Brunch benefit leadership initiatives and scholarships.