Debra BenAvram

TRANSFORMATIONAL CEO |
Growth STRATEGIST | Culture Architect

I reframe challenges, unlock growth, and build futures that outperform their past. With a track record of doubling margins, expanding revenue ecosystems, and building strong organizational cultures, I bring business insight and innovation to every table.

ABOUT

Debra BenAvram is a transformational CEO and board leader recognized for driving growth, innovation, and governance excellence. With more than 17 years at the helm of complex organizations, she has led strategic repositioning, brand and operational overhauls, and market expansion—delivering measurable gains in revenue, margin, and influence.As CEO of AABB, Debra repositioned the organization for relevance in biotherapies, doubling margins in flagship programs and launching multiple industry-first products, including the first certification for advanced biotherapies professionals. Previously, she served as CEO of ASPEN for 11 years, where she grew revenue and scale while advancing its scientific and certification mission.She also brings extensive board governance experience, both as an executive partner to boards and as a director herself. She currently serves as a public member on the Board of the CFP Board | Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, and as board chair of the Center for Survivor Agency and Justice. In the corporate sector, she advises startup founders and others on strategy, culture, and market growth.

career highlights

  • Repositioned global organizations for growth and relevance, leading major brand and operational overhauls.

  • Doubled program margins by reversing multi-year declines, pioneering new standards, and optimizing operations.

  • Expanded revenue ecosystems, launching industry-first credentials, products, and education platforms.

  • Reduced staff turnover from 45% to 6%, building inclusive, high-performing cultures.

  • Secured historic U.S. blood donor policy changes, strengthening AABB’s global advocacy impact.

  • Scaled revenue and operational reach at ASPEN, advancing scientific and certification missions.

  • Guided boards and startups as a chair, advisor, and nonprofit co-founder, shaping governance and growth strategies.

Board & Advisory Roles

Debra brings deep governance expertise, serving as both a trusted executive partner to boards and an independent director. Her leadership spans nonprofit, professional, and startup contexts, where she has guided organizations on strategy, growth, and culture. Current and recent roles include:Public Member, Board of Directors – CFP Board | Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards
Engaged in governance of the leading credentialing body in the financial sector.Past Board Executive Committee Member, YPO (Young Presidents’ Organization) Washington DC
Active in global peer leadership network, fostering CEO learning and exchange.Chair, Board of Directors – Center for Survivor Agency and Justice
Leading governance and strategy to advance economic security for domestic violence survivors.Co-Founder & Director – Sanctuary Uganda Foundation
Building safe homes and educational opportunities for vulnerable girls in Mbale, Uganda.Advisor – Startups and nonprofits
Supporting growth strategies, market positioning, governance and organizational culture.

Press & Features

PRESENTATIONS

  • Global Growth Summit, Panelist – MCI, Aug 2025

  • Leading in Turbulent Times: CEO Summit, Panelist – ASAE Annual Conference, Aug 2025

  • Leadership that Sticks: Clarity, Connection & Impact, Featured Keynote – Council for Exceptional Children, Jul 2025

  • Association Events Post-COVID – ASAE Law Symposium, Sept 2023

  • A Model for Strategy Execution – SideCar webinar, Apr 2021

  • Reinventing Performance Management – ASAE Annual Conference, Aug 2017

  • The Legal and Practical Aspects of Restructuring Your Staff – Association TRENDS webinar, Sept 2017

  • Strategic Governance – IMEX, Oct 2016

  • Trashing Traditional Performance Reviews, Featured Keynote – American Institute of Certified Public Accountants State CEO Summit, Apr 2016

  • Building, Using, and Maintaining Your Influence – Great Ideas Conference, Mar 2016

  • The Death of Traditional Performance Appraisals – Non-Profit Talent & Culture Summit, Apr 2016

PODCAST APPEARANCES

ARTICLES & PUBLICATIONS

FEATURED IN

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Professional Society Association Executive of the Year – Association TRENDS & CEO Update, 2025ASAE Fellow (FASAE) – American Society of Association Executives, 2016Top CEOs in Associations – CEO Update, 201340 Under 40 Business Leaders – Washington Business Journal, 2015Young and Aspiring Association Professional – Association TRENDS, 201440 Under 40 Award – Association Forum of Chicagoland & USAE News, 2013Emerging Leader of the Year, Women Who Promote Excellence in Associations – ASAE, 2010

CONTACT

Let's connect! I welcome conversations on opportunities for Board service, strategic advisory roles, speaking engagements & executive collaboration.Let’s explore how we can grow something meaningful together.Reach out on LinkedIn or send a message using the form below.

© Debra BenAvram. All rights reserved.