Debra Harris

Class of 2026

For nearly three decades, Debra Rapp Harris has combined strategic insight, data-driven innovation and a passion for developing people to leave a lasting mark on the confectionery industry.

As Vice President of Marketing for Shankman & Associates, Inc., she has helped shape the company’s growth while investing deeply in the success of colleagues, customers and the next generation of industry leaders.

Born October 4, 1969, in Tiffin, OH, Debra is the daughter of Brenda and Dennis Rapp, who instilled in her the importance of volunteering and believing in something larger than oneself. Her family’s involvement in an student exchange program created lifelong relationships with students from Australia, Germany, Japan and Switzerland. Along with her brother, Ken, Debra also developed a competitive spirit through participating in two-mile and 10K races.

After graduating from Hoover High School in North Canton, OH, in 1987, Debra attended the University of Cincinnati. She initially pursued a degree in accounting but soon discovered marketing was a better match for her interests. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and Management in 1992, along with a Certificate of International Business. She also held leadership roles in a business fraternity, the College of Business Tribunal and student government. Early positions with Walt Disney World, Frito-Lay and McDonald’s provided hands-on business experience that helped shape her career.

After graduation, Debra joined Pierre Foods in marketing, training, and regional sales. While helping build a convenience store sales network, she worked closely with Shankman & Associates, developing relationships that would change the course of her career. In 1998, after years of travel covering 26 states and Canada, she joined Shankman & Associates’ sales team.

Her professional and personal lives intersected at Pierre Foods, where a coworker introduced her to Tim Harris based on their shared devotion to the Cleveland Browns. They married in October 1995 and raised two children, Mackenzie and Zac.

Over the next 28 years, Debra helped transform Shankman from a small organization with a handful of employees into a company of more than 100 people. She held roles in sales, analytics, and marketing before becoming Vice President of Marketing. Among her proudest accomplishments are building the company’s Analytics & Insights Team, developing its professionals into respected experts, and earning Shankman’s Founder’s Award.

Debra also established shopper marketing as a core capability and expanded an early sales territory enough to support additional hiring and growth. Working with retailers including Kroger, she helped grow the confectionery category while championing brands of all sizes.

As the industry evolved, Debra embraced the growing role of analytics in understanding shoppers and driving smarter decisions. Known for strategic thinking, consumer insights, and attention to detail, she approaches challenges as opportunities to build something better.

Developing others has been just as important. Through the National Confectioners Association’s Future Leaders Program and Women’s Leadership Group, Debra has mentored young professionals and has shared career opportunities with high school and college students. She considers the success of those she leads among her greatest accomplishments.

Her commitment to service includes leadership roles with her local parent-teacher organization, the Springboro Lacrosse Board, and NextUp Cincinnati. Her efforts have earned national recognition for student outreach initiatives and recognition as one of Cincinnati’s Women of Influence.

Away from work, Debra enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, playing with her puppy, and discovering new beers and bourbons.

Debra believes life should be lived in a way that brings happiness rather than simply following expectations. She encourages young professionals to engage in the industry, build relationships, and embrace opportunities.

Above all, Debra hopes to be remembered as a kind, strategic leader who was always willing to help — and someone who made the workplace and the confectionery industry a little more enjoyable for everyone.