Since she was 10 years old, Deb aware of her elected officials, kept up with issues affecting business, and strived to make a difference.

She has been the President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey that represents all seven counties in the area and thousands of business owners.

She graduated from Rowan University in 1976 with a bachelors in communication and in 1987 with a masters in the same concentration.

DiLorenzo is a South Jersey native who has seen the business community and the landscape change drastically. I remember in 1971 when my father was teaching me to drive, and we went to Cherry Hill.  At that time there were only a few housing communities, a few big homes and a mall in Voorhees, she said. Now those communities are bustling with homes and commerce.

From state government to membership needs and todays financial market, DiLorenzo has opinions on nearly everything that affects business. She can tell you what state laws are going to be passed, how the zoning maps are changing or what new bills will do for small business owners.

The Chamber of Commerce is very plugged into smart growth, and what is changing in this community, she said. DiLorenzo also helps facilitate members to meet and learn about each others needs. In times like these business people need a chamber of commerce more than ever, she said. The Southern New Jersey Chamber of Commerce is there in good times and in bad; it is celebrating its 135th anniversary. We were started right after the civil war, DiLorenzo said, and its her job to keep the booming organization current for its nearly 2,000 members.

She says hard work has paved the way for her success. She thanks her parents for always emphasizing the importance of education as well as a strong work ethic.

DiLorenzo also has a loyalty to her employer that is rare in todays job market. She has been with the Chamber of Commerce for 14 years. Before that she worked for a trade association for four years, a public utility company for eleven years and served as a legislative aide to a State Senator for two years. Since the 1970's, she's only had four jobs. I picked a career that I could really enjoy, and I have stayed with it, she said. That commitment to companies has paid off for her.

Those strengths have helped her in her personal life as well as her professional life. Her commitment to excellence and hard work shines in many facets of life. She volunteers time for organizations and sits on several boards. I believe strongly in giving back to the community however I can, she said.

DiLorenzo was most recently appointed to the Governors healthcare commission, and she has served on other Governors commissions over the years. This widens my own horizons, because I did not give up on learning when I finished my masters degree, she said.

When not at work or volunteering, DiLorenzo is wife to her husband of 27 years, another example of that steadfast longevity. She has a son, Anthony, who is preparing to graduate college and a daughter, Angelica, who is entering high school this year.