Even before Debbie earned her commercial hot air balloon pilot certificate, she was officiating at balloon competitions.  She has flown in USA events as well as in England, France, Japan and Belgium.  Deb has served as Event Director, Deputy Event Director, Scoring Officer, Debriefer, Chief Observer, Jury, and Steward for local, national and international events.  Debbie was Secretary of the FAI Ballooning Commission (CIA) from 1988-1995.

FAI Sanctioned International Highlights include:

• Deputy Event Director: World HABC, Tochigi, Japan 2006, Saga, Japan 1997 & 1989; Battle Creek, MI, USA, 1985 & 1981; World HONDA Grand Prix Finals, Japan, 1998-2006; North American HABC, Barrie, Canada 1986 and Battle Creek USA 1983
• Steward:  World HABC, Saga, Japan 2016.
• Asst to Competition Director: European Airship Championship, Luxembourg 1991  
• Chief Scorer: World Gas Balloon Championship, USA 1994; Pacific HAB Championship, Canada 1992
• Debriefer: World Gas Balloon Championship, Austria 1992; World HAB Championship, Austria 1987
• Jury President/Member: Women’s WHABC, Australia 2023; Mobilux Trophy, Luxembourg 2002, 2004-2009; World Cup/Pre-World Air Games, Spain 2000; World Hot Air Airship Championship, Canada 1998

Major Awards:

• US Ballooning Hall of Fame – Inducted 2018
• Japan Balloon Federation Medal of Appreciation 1993
• FAI Montgolfier Diploma for Contribution to Ballooning 1986
• Balloon Fed of America Shield Trauger Award for Exemplary Service to the BFA 1984