Debby Sims
Debby Sims, MAPC is an accomplished Executive Assistant and Program Manager with more than 30 years of experience supporting senior leadership and driving operational excellence. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, she currently serves at Varian, where she supports the Vice President of Legal by managing executive calendars, travel, high-level meetings, and strategic logistics. In addition to her executive support responsibilities, she leads program management efforts within the organization’s data privacy function, ensuring new applications and systems align with corporate privacy policies and regulatory standards. Known for her dependability, discretion, and solution-oriented mindset, Sims plays a critical behind-the-scenes role in helping teams operate efficiently and effectively.
Sims has worked in the cancer care medical device industry since 2011, beginning her journey at Endocare, Inc. before the organization was acquired by Varian. Over the course of her career, she has steadily advanced through roles including Business Administrator, Senior Executive Assistant, and Program Manager. Her work reflects a deep commitment to integrity, relationship-building, and service—values that guide both her professional and personal life. A Georgia Notary Public and Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist, she brings strong technical proficiency, organizational leadership, and expertise in managing confidential information within complex corporate environments.
Sims holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling from Liberty University. Beyond her corporate career, she serves as a Pastoral Counselor and co-founded Knitted Hearts Marriage Ministry with her husband, where they provide marriage and family counseling, workshops, and mentorship to couples. Having personally navigated a breast cancer diagnosis, Sims brings heightened compassion and perspective to her work in the cancer care industry. She is most proud of her ability to build meaningful relationships across organizations and help others succeed—whether in the boardroom, the community, or through ministry.
• Certified in Emotional Intelligence
• Various Counseling Certifications
• Data Privacy Certification (in progress)
• Notary Public
• Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Office Office Outlook 2010
• Liberty University
• Minute Hearts Marriage Ministry (Marriage and Family Counseling Nonprofit)
• Breast Health Matters
What do you attribute your success to?
First I would say God and his guidance, and just the people who have helped me along the way. Along with the knowledge that I've gained, the knowledge and the expertise.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Always be honest.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say take all the training that's available to you. Learn AI. Build relationships.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I would say the biggest challenge is finding a path if you want to move forward in this role. Executive assistants or admins have a very narrow path at times, and unless you have an executive that's willing to help you kind of get out of that role, you really don't have a really good path. In my case, my executive is very supportive, and she does what she can to open doors, you know, for not only for me, but for her team, if we want to move in different directions. Which is how I was able to get into the data privacy area.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Number one is integrity and honesty. They are important to me in every area of my life.