Debbie Thompson is CEO of Always On Consulting which provides strategic HR conultation and solutions. She is dedicated to applying her years of experience to assist the Counties of Illinois Risk Management Agency (CIRMA) members in creating better workplaces that attract and retain quality employees by providing HR solutions to complex and every-changing issues as well as cost saving process improvement strategies.

Debbie's HR career spans over 40 years. She retired from Horace Mann Educators Corporation after 17 years as Vice President, Senior Human Resources Business Partner, and Head of Talent Acquisition. As a member of the HR leadership team, she consulted with senior leadership teams to design and drive people-first strategies and solutions that resulted in a variety of business and performance impacts. Prior to joining Horace Mann, Debbie spent 2 years at AIG and 27 years at City Water, Light and Power in HR leadership roles.

Debbie held elected political roles as a Sangamon County Board member for 14 years and Alderman for Ward 7 on the Springfield City Council for 4 years. She volunteers in a variety of community related activities and is currently a Board member of the University of Illinois Springfield Alumni Association, Engagement Committee member for the University of Illinois Foundation System Board, and the Illinois Women in Leadership Board Membership Chair. Debbie also served as an adjunct faculty member for 10 years at the University of Illinois Springfield in the College of Business and Management, and 10 years as a Commission Member for the Illinois Comptroller's Merit Commission.

Debbie has a master's degree from the Individual Option Program, with a focus on Human Resource Development, and a bachelor's degree in Management, both from the University of Illinois Springfield. She is a 30-year member of the Society for Human Resource Management and has a Senior Human Resource Professional certification from the Human Resources Certification Institute.