Dayton Metro Library: Programs & Accomplishments

Sep 04, 2024

Debi Chess

Debi is the Director of External Relations and Development for the Dayton Metro Library.

She recently returned to the Miami Valley area after over 30 years of working in many communities in the Midwest and Southwest regions of the United States. Raised in Fairborn, Ohio, she has a bachelor's degree from Wright State University in Social Work, and a master's in Urban Planning and Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago, where her research and community worked focused on arts-based economic development.

She is a recognized as an Urban Planner through the American Institute of Certified Planners and has held positions as Planning Commissioner of the City of Tucson, Arizona, and a Commissioner for the Tucson International AirPort Authority, Executive Director of the Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona, as well as Director of Strategic Initiatives and Development for the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company.

She is a former Peace Corp Volunteer, textile arts enthusiast, and avid reader.