Deborah Gustafson (1952-2000) worked for 25 years in the disability field, most recently as director of employee services for Trinity Services. During her nine years with Trinity, Mrs. Gustafson helped to create Trinity's innovative employee-friendly human resources practices. Two unique employee recognition programs are described in her monographs, The Exemplar Employee and The Lillie Leapit Award.

Nationally, Mrs. Gustafson was instrumental in forming the National Association of QDDPs (formerly QMRPs). She co-chaired its national conference for five years. Deborah lived with her husband, Carl, in Richton Park, Illinois, until her death in October 2000.