Deborah Ferris

Deborah Ferris is a retired Vice President and Manager at PNC Wealth Management with more than 25 years of experience in accounting, trust services, estate planning, and financial management. A CPA for much of her career, Deborah began in public accounting before transitioning into the corporate sector, where she served as a trust officer in Dayton, Ohio, and later managed a team of 32 professionals in Cleveland. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Wittenberg University while working full-time, demonstrating the determination and perseverance that have defined her professional journey.

Throughout her career, Deborah combined financial expertise with a strong commitment to client education and community leadership. She educated clients on financial statements and worked extensively in trust and estate planning, while also serving as president of the Women's Community Foundation in Cleveland and as treasurer for multiple community boards. After a mild stroke led to disability retirement from her corporate career, Deborah found new purpose in remaining active and helping others. She began substitute teaching accounting and later became a health aide in a school-district clinic serving special-needs and highly behavioral students, learning new responsibilities such as medication administration and G-tube feedings.

Deborah describes herself as a people person who thrives on staying involved, contributing to her community, and continuing to learn. She has supported organizations including the Ronald McDonald House, Gift of Life Fund, YMCA, American Heart Association, and Cancer Society, and continues to participate in community initiatives. Her outlook is grounded in resilience, confidence, service, and authenticity. Deborah encourages young women entering accounting and finance to remain confident, pursue their goals, stay true to themselves, and never allow gender or appearances to limit what they believe they can accomplish.