About DFK Connects and Debra Kent Faulk, Principal

An experienced marketing and community-build strategist, DKF Connects Principal Debra Kent Faulk is adept at developing communication campaigns, community outreach programs, and education initiatives that connect nonprofit, public, and private organizations in order to help solve local problems. In addition to her 20 years experience in nonprofit and commercial marketing, local government partnerships, and national retail promotions, Debra has an innate sense of identifying collaborative opportunities that integrate social responsibility into everyday business operations, while positively impacting an organization's bottom line.

A variety of nonprofit organizations have benefited from Debra's award-winning, domestic and international marketing expertise, including: United Way of Tampa Bay, Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County, MOSI, and Children's Dream Fund. Debra has created marketing programs for educational clients such as University of South Florida College of Business and Beach Park School, and public relations and brand identity packages for the City of Tampa, Able Brands, and foredesign inc. Private sector clients include the Capstone Group and Kern Studios International.

Prior to forming DKF Connects in 2003, Debra served as executive director of the Mayor's Beautification Program, a Tampa-based nonprofit organization, where she was recognized with commendations and awards from Tampa City Council, Hillsborough Education Foundation, and Florida Urban Forestry Council for her work in enabling citizen volunteerism, establishing a countywide service-learning program, and support in helping to reengineer urban forestry government legislation. As a retail-marketing agent, Debra's work with the City of Tampa, special interest groups, and 12 neighborhood associations resulted in unanimous City Council approval for the contentious rezoning of WestShore Plaza. As the mall's marketing director, she created "Tween" and teen programs to focus on community service. Debra is the recipient of the prestigious MAXI award for promotion excellence from the International Council of Shopping Centers.

Debra holds a Masters of Public Administration from the University of South Florida, where she also earned a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management. She received a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations from the University of Florida and earned the CMD (Certified Marketing Director) designation from the International Council of Shopping Centers. Debra has lectured at University of South Florida and American University on such topics as nonprofit strategic planning and public relations. Mayor Pam Iorio appointed Debra to the City of Tampa Code Enforcement Board, a volunteer position she serves through 2007. Debra is chairman of the Children's Dream Fund, a nonprofit organization she has been affiliated with for the past eight years.