It was a privilege to sit down with Debora Glasgow this summer, as she reflected on the journey that led her to 26 impactful years of service at South Western Oklahoma Development Authority (SWODA). In her warm and candid style, Debora shared how her rural roots shaped her values, the highlights of her professional development, and her deep appreciation for the synergy of SWODA’s staff and Board of Trustees.
BY DANA CHURCH, DECEMBER 2024
It was no surprise that our conversation began with fond recollections of her childhood on a dairy farm just a few miles from SWODA’s office. “I’m rural through and through,” she said with pride. “I’m very proud to be from rural Oklahoma, and I’ve never made any bones about it.” Even when speaking to congressional leaders, Debora often reminded them of her roots.
Growing up on a dairy farm wasn’t easy. Her parents’ unwavering work ethic and dedication instilled in her and her brother a strong sense of responsibility. “We all had a job to do,” she recalled. Her mother’s firm but simple reply when Debora asked why they couldn’t take weekends off to spend the day at the lake like her friends still resonates today: ‘Because the cows don’t milk themselves.’ That lesson in responsibility and commitment became the foundation of who Debora Glasgow is, shaping how she raised her family and approached her work and leadership at SWODA.
Alongside the lessons learned on the farm, Debora credits her parents as profound influences on her work ethic and values. “My personal mentors were both my dad and my mom,” she reflects. “Now that they’re both gone, I realize even more what an incredible set of parents I had.”
Her father’s 40-year tenure as mayor of Foss gave Debora a front-row seat to leadership and service in a small community. “Watching him showed me how vital it is for people to step up and serve,” she explains. “Whether it’s holding office or serving on a local board, his commitment emphasized the importance of giving back.” While she admired her father’s path, Debora chose her own way to contribute. “I took a different avenue,” she shares. “It’s still leadership, but with my own focus and approach.”
Throughout her career, her parents were unwavering sources of support. “When work was frustrating, Dad was the one I’d turn to for advice,” she recalls. “After he passed, Mom became my sounding board. I’d stop by her house after work, and no matter what kind of day I’d had, she’d listen, offer advice, or just let me vent.” Their example not only shaped Debora’s work principle but also reinforced her deep commitment to serving her community and strengthening the region she calls home.
Debora’s first connection to SWODA came through one of its programs long before she imagined building her career there. While working at the local grocery store as a young adult, the administrator of SWODA’s Summer Youth Program saw her potential and recruited her. The program gave her valuable work experience that propelled her toward future opportunities. “When I began my job at SWODA, it felt like a full-circle moment,” she explained. “They called me their success story!”
In 1998, Debora found herself back at SWODA, starting as a front-office receptionist. The role allowed her to learn the ins and outs of SWODA’s programs and witness their direct impact on the community. “I realized that I believed in what SWODA does, and I found my niche,” she shared. From that moment, Debora set her sights on advancing. “I knew that if I wanted to move up in leadership here, it would behoove me to have my degree.”
In 2001, she enrolled in night classes with the mission of obtaining her degree. By 2002, she earned her Bachelor’s in Public Administration— a testament to her determination and commitment to SWODA’s mission.
One program that especially captured her heart was the Rural Economic Action Program (REAP). “The program helped all of the small towns I’d been around my entire life—it was right up my alley,” she stated with pride. Administering REAP opened new doors for her, connecting her to area legislators and giving her opportunities to visit the Oklahoma State Capitol. Those experiences instilled a deep sense of pride and ambition. At one point, Debora even considered running for state office. Ultimately, she chose a different path. “It became clear to me that I could still make a difference without holding an official office,” she reflects. “I’ve tried to use the opportunities I’ve been given here to lead and help our communities thrive. That’s where my heart is.”
Debora’s career at SWODA was marked by continuous growth and a willingness to seize opportunities. She credits her professional growth to learning from her peers across the state and nation through her active involvement with several key organizations, including the Oklahoma Association of Regional Councils (OARC), the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO), and the Southwest Regional Economic Development Association (SWREDA).
Her participation in these organizations allowed her to connect with other leaders and gain invaluable insights that helped shape her leadership at SWODA. Debora served as Chairperson for OARC and SWREDA and was a NADO Board member. These experiences broadened her perspective and further cemented her commitment to the advancement of Southwest Oklahoma.
After serving as Director of Community Development in 2004 and Deputy Executive Director in 2007, she was appointed Executive Director in 2011. “Even with my previous leadership experience and program management background, I understood the weight of this role,” she reflects. “I was now accountable for the programs, employees, and the eight-county region we serve.”
Leading an ever- evolving organization brought its challenges, especially in those first few years. “Major changes brought growing pains, and there were some difficult times to navigate,” she admits. Yet, Debora remained proud to take on the responsibility, crediting SWODA’s success to the team around her. “It wasn’t something I did alone,” she says. “Our team and our Board of Trustees is our greatest assets. Having people who truly believe in what they are doing creates a place where our programs thrive.”
Debora highlights the Board of Trustees as a pillar of SWODA’s strength. “We can’t function without a strong board,” she says. In her 26 years with SWODA, the 30-member Board of Trustees has never failed to have a quorum at their monthly meetings. “When I share that with my peers, they are amazed, and it speaks volumes about the commitment of our board.”
Her leadership philosophy is rooted in humility and hard work. “I don’t think I’ve ever asked someone to do something I wouldn’t do myself,” she says. “I like being a worker bee, and I’m always willing to roll up my sleeves and get the job done.” That hands-on approach, paired with her belief in leading by example, shaped SWODA’s nurturing work culture. “If you want employees to feel invested in the organization, they need to see that passion reflected at the top. If I don’t believe in what we’re doing, how could I expect anyone else to?”, she said.
When asked what highlights her resume might feature, Debora humbly points to her ability to bring people together. “Networking and collaboration have always been cornerstones of my leadership,” she explains. Debora strongly believes in the success of SWODA’s long standing core programs but remained open to new ideas and willing to step outside the traditional path as well.
Her approach to leadership earned her meaningful recognition, including the “Star of the Southwest” title in the five-state Economic Development Administration (EDA) region. “That honor meant so much to me,” she reflects. “It wasn’t just personal—it was about the impact we were making in the region.”
One of the issues closest to her heart has been advocating for seniors. “There are so many challenges our seniors face that the general public doesn’t fully understand,” she says. “Advocating for their needs and keeping legislators informed has been one of our most important roles.”
As Debora reflects on her career, she shares a deep sense of gratitude. “Without SWODA, it would be an absolute travesty to this area. We’re the hub of an eight-county region, providing services that are critical to the quality of life here.” She believes the resilience of rural Oklahoma lies in its people. “We stayed, raised our families, and invested in our communities. That’s the heart of rural America.” When asked what drives her, Debora’s response is simple: “I love what we do. I recognized the importance of this work from the very beginning, and that belief has never wavered.” Transitioning into retirement, she reflects on the lessons that have carried her through every step of her journey. From her earliest days on the family dairy farm, she understood that success comes from showing up, putting in the work, and taking responsibility. “Cows don’t milk themselves” wasn’t just something her mother said—it became a way of life, shaping her commitment to SWODA and the communities it serves.
Her story is one of dedication, humility, and unshakable purpose. Through her leadership, Debora built more than programs—she cultivated relationships, strengthened communities, and inspired a team to believe in the mission as deeply as she does.
Her legacy isn’t just in the work accomplished but in the example she set: that progress happens when people are willing to roll up their sleeves, take action, and work together to make a difference.