Starting as a Bank of America teller in 1972 with no clear banking ambition (“I really needed a job and took one at the bank because it was closed on weekends,” she remembers), Debbie Meekins has since become a respected industry leader. In 1990, she was promoted to president/CEO of Sonoma National Bank and its parent company Northern Empire Bancshares—the first woman to hold such a position in Sonoma County. In 2006, she was named one of “25 Women to Watch” by U.S. Banker magazine. Earlier this year, Sonoma National was acquired by Sterling Savings Bank, and Meekins was named Sterling’s executive vice president and retail banking director, in charge of overseeing 200 branches in five states.
She may have been “surprised and humbled” when told she’d been voted Best Business Community Leader in our Best Of survey this past May, but with a track record like hers, maybe she should have seen it coming.
Has banking been a lifelong interest?
As a kid, if someone had told me I’d grow up to be a banker, I’d have been very shocked—and probably sad! Banking seems boring, but I’ve tried to make it fun. Then again, I’m a little kooky.
Did you go to college?
I took some accounting, business and banking classes, but I had my son [Mike, now 36] when I was 18 years old. I couldn’t do that, work and raise a son.
What’s your favorite holiday tradition?
I was born and raised in Washington, D.C., and have been in California and away from my family for many years. Holidays are always blown out of proportion, because when my kids were growing up, I wanted it to be a big celebration for them. My daughter Michelle is a vegan, so Thanksgiving is interesting. We cook together and make some things that are traditions, even though no one eats them, like yams with marshmallows baked on the top. We drive around looking at Christmas lights on Christmas Eve. And everyone gets a Lifesavers book in their stocking. Plus, we always go to the movies after Thanksgiving dinner and on Christmas Day, when everyone is tired and full. We’ve done it for about 25 years.
Describe the worst thing you ever had to wear to school.
I had arch problems when I was in elementary school and had to wear special shoes. They were terrible black penny loafers.
Do you have a lifelong dream or ambition?
I always wanted to have lots of kids and be a child psychologist.
Tell us about your fiancé (restaurateur Roberto Catania, pictured).
He was a bank customer, but we met one night when I was having dinner at his restaurant [Roberto’s in Santa Rosa] with some mutual friends. He was born in Italy. We now have an apartment there. I took Italian at Santa Rosa Junior College and did really well in the class, but I’m still too uncomfortable to speak it.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
No one would be hungry.
If you had $1 million to donate, to what organization would you give it and why?
I already give (but not $1 million!) to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital and the United Way.
Which of the five senses do you treasure most? Why?
Hearing. I have ears like a dog, and people are constantly amazed I can hear their conversations from far away. Plus, I love music!
What childhood accident stands out in your mind?
Nothing really traumatic, but I was attacked by a cat when I was young and still have the scars.
Describe your dream home.
It would be on a large lot with an ocean view, close enough to hear the waves. I’d want it to be one-story with a large kitchen, lots of skylights and not too many walls.
What would you like to be known for?
Being a great mom and making a difference in my community.
