Debra Keller

B.S. in Chemical Engineering, WSU

Debra Keller is the Director of Continuous Improvement for RPM International.

RPM International Inc. owns subsidiaries that are world leaders in specialty coatings, sealants, building materials and related services. The company operates across four reportable segments: Consumer Group, Construction Products Group, Performance Coatings Group and Specialty Products Group. RPM has a diverse portfolio with hundreds of market-leading brands, including Rust-Oleum, DAP, Zinsser, Varathane, Day-Glo, Legend Brands, Stonhard, Carboline, Tremco and Dryvit. From homes and workplaces, to infrastructure and precious landmarks, RPM’s brands are trusted by consumers and professionals alike to help build a better world.

Debra was married with children when she attended Wayne State.  She is grateful for the board of governor’s scholarship that allowed her to have a career in engineering, and she has endowed a scholarship at Wayne State, In the school of biology, as a memorial to her daughter.  This is her way of paying the school back for the opportunities it opened up for her. 

She started her career at Ford Motor Company and went on to work at Caterpillar and Eaton before joining RPM in 2019.  Her career has taken her to many international manufacturing sites, studying lean manufacturing and operational excellence.