This woman is an example of how determination, professionalism, and a belief in the values of equality can pave the way to the highest levels of corporate leadership. She became the first woman to lead Deloitte’s Midwest region and the first female chair of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce board. Her name is associated with inclusive leadership, community dedication, and a deep belief in the power of education. More at chicagoka.com.
Biography
Deborah was born in Washington, D.C., into a family where education and hard work were indisputable values. Her mother was a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh’s accounting program, the only woman in her class in 1951. After working for “Gulf Oil” for several years, she left her career when her husband began his medical practice. However, Deborah’s mother didn’t stop: she founded a “Head Start” program in her hometown and became the first female member of the local city council. Her example of breaking stereotypes and serving the community became Deborah’s guiding principle in life.
She graduated from Duke University with a bachelor’s degree in management sciences and accounting. Deborah is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), a member of the AICPA and the Illinois CPA Society.
Career Beginnings
After graduating from Duke University in 1981 with a bachelor’s degree in management sciences and accounting, Deborah began her journey at “Arthur Andersen.” Over two decades, she rose from a junior auditor to a managing partner in 1999.
When “Arthur Andersen” dissolved in 2002, DeHaas moved to “Deloitte.” She chose this company specifically for its open culture focused on diversity and inclusion. Here, she became a driving force in integrating 950 former “Andersen” employees and led initiatives to support women and minorities in the corporate environment. At “Deloitte,” her role extended far beyond typical management: she moderated national strategies for advancing inclusion, served as a mentor to dozens of young professionals, and was a member of the company’s senior leadership board.
In her position, DeHaas was responsible for client service quality, company growth, human resources policy, and human capital development strategies. She also served as the advisory partner for several of “Deloitte’s” most important clients in the Midwest, particularly in the manufacturing, consumer products, and communications sectors. Prior to this, Deborah led the Strategic Clients program—an initiative aimed at developing cooperation with the company’s global clients. Her strategic vision and ability to unite teams around common goals made her one of the key figures in transforming “Deloitte’s” corporate culture. Her professional philosophy is based on three principles: quality, humanity, and development. These are the values she has repeatedly emphasized in her speeches to students, young executives, and industry colleagues.
Civic Engagement
Beyond her corporate career, Deborah is known for her active involvement in the Chicago community. She serves on the boards of directors for such prestigious organizations as:
- Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago;
- Northwestern University;
- The Executives’ Club of Chicago;
- United Way of Metropolitan Chicago;
- WTTW (Public Broadcasting);
- Partnership for a Healthier America.
She is also a director of World Business Chicago, a member of the After School Matters, Inc. board, and co-chair of the fundraising campaign for Chicago’s 2016 Olympic bid. She is actively involved in civic activities and serves on the boards and leadership of numerous organizations: notably, she is a board member of the Museum of Science and Industry (Chicago), a board member of Northwestern University, and serves on the board of the Civic Consulting Alliance (where she acts as Chair).
Recognition and Awards
Deborah DeHaas has repeatedly been named to lists of the most influential people in US business. Among her honors:
- Athena Award (2005) — the first woman in Chicago to receive this award;
- Daniel H. Burnham Award (2004) from the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce;
- Women of Achievement Award (2004) from the Anti-Defamation League;
- Outstanding Women’s Leaders Award (2006) from the YWCA;
- Heritage Award (2008) from the American Red Cross;
- Ripples of Hope Award (2010) from City Year Chicago.
In 2012, “Chicago Magazine” included her in its list of the “100 Most Powerful Chicagoans,” and in 2013–2014, “Accounting Today” named her among the “100 Most Influential People in Accounting.”
Deborah DeHaas belongs to that category of leaders who don’t just achieve success—they change the system. Her career is proof that inclusivity, empathy, and consistency can be just as powerful drivers of business as ambition or profit. Her story is a reminder that the true strength of leadership lies in the ability to open doors for others.