Since 1971, Dean Debnam has turned ideas into successful businesses. In 1993 he became CEO of Workplace Options, a Raleigh-based business started by his wife in 1982. Over the years, he has transformed Workplace Options into one the largest work-life benefits company in the world. Today WPO serves over 20,000 organizations with over 31 million covered lives in over 170 countries.

2010 was a banner year for Workplace Options. The company added 75 employees, including 65 at its Raleigh campus.  A new service center opened in Toronto. Worldwide revenues increased by 20 percent. As a result, Dean doubled the size of its corporate headquarters in Raleigh. Dean shares a passion for early childhood development with his wife Stephanie Fanjul, who was instrumental in creating Smart Start and is the president of the North Carolina Partnership for Children.