:::: FACES IN THE CROWD
REPRESENTING
RANCHO BERNARDO
OUR HONORARY MAYOR, DEBBIE KURTH, CHERISHES RANCHO BERNARDO by LYDIA COBB | photo by Spark Photography
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Name: Profession: Community: Hobbies: Favorite Local Spots:
Debra Lynn Kurth Meetings and Special Events Planner Rancho Bernardo since 1989 Biking, golf, tennis, SCUBA diving The Barrel Room, Carvers Steaks & Chops, Athens Market Café, Bernard’O Restaurant
24 • 92128Magazine.com • March | April 2015
ebbie Kurth enjoys traveling and trying new things. She has skydived, once performed in a flying trapeze act in Whistler, and rappelled 33 floors from the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego. However, the place she most enjoys is right here in town. “Rancho Bernardo has become my ‘Mayberry’ – a small-town feel, but with immense charm and sophistication,” shared Debbie Kurth. Small towns have leaders. Debbie was recently bestowed the title of honorary mayor of Rancho Bernardo, and added, “It’s a privilege that I will cherish for many years to come.” As honorary mayor, she’s well connected. “There are so many ways to give back to your community,” she said. “It is a great way to meet individuals and learn about the businesses and services available.” She serves on the board for the Rancho Bernardo Business Association (RBBA) as treasurer and chair of several outreach committees. She enjoys awarding grants to local organizations as a board member with the Rancho Bernardo Community Foundation (RBCF). Debbie was recently named “Volunteer of the Year” for both the RBBA and the RBCF. She’s also president/treasurer of the Woodcrest Heights HOA and treasurer of the Community Association of Bernardo Heights. Rancho Bernardo became her beloved home when she was the first administrator at Casa de las Campanas, a skilled and assisted living facility. She transitioned from her career in healthcare administration to launch her own company called Business Services International, Inc. With her healthcare contacts, she began hosting meetings for healthcare organizations and expanded her services for individuals as well. “It has been very rewarding the last several years to provide these services locally,” she added. BSI’s services include marketing and fundraising for various organizations, weddings, anniversaries, theme parties, and golf tournaments. Debbie saw a need for her services and took it internationally. She’s held meetings and special events for clients throughout North and Central America, Europe, and the Caribbean. She’s originally from Lancaster, WI where most of her family still resides. Her great aunt just turned 100. She visits several times a year and appreciates Skype for keeping in touch. In her free time, Debbie shares she’s a novice golfer. She loves spending time outdoors and also bikes and plays tennis. Friends are important, and Debbie appreciates gettogethers for drinks and dinner, movies, and plays. While the campaign for mayor was a lot of work, Debbie enjoyed it. Her advice to her successor? “Enjoy representing Rancho Bernardo and have fun,” Debbie shared. She’s living by example. ¢