Deb Giarusso is serving as senior program manager for ADVANCE IOWA, specializing in business ownership transition. She brings 35 years of expertise in corporate and investment finance. Her professional experience includes preparing capital budgeting analysis for Oscar Mayer Foods in the early 1990s, managing a multi-million-dollar family real estate and investment portfolio for over 30 years, and being a founding principal of an RIA firm during the financial crisis of 2008.

Deb has used her skills to lead financial projects, collaborate with board members to develop investment policies, monitor investment advisors, and forecast models. She is excellent at identifying key variables resulting in improved cash flow management and cost optimization. Additionally, Deb has been serving on multiple non-profit boards as a financial expert for a decade.As a wealth strategist, she advises business owners and their families, managing their financial resources. This illustrates her commitment to the local communities and families, fitting well into the ADVANCE IOWA team.

Deb has taught both graduate and undergraduate finance courses at the University of Northern Iowa for twenty years.

She proudly holds the designation of CFA® charter holder, CFA® Institute, and earned her MBA from the University of Iowa.