Woods Partners Leadership
Woods Partners President
Debbie Shartle graduated in 1987 from the University of Houston with a BBA in Finance. Upon graduation from college, she joined the US Air Force as a commissioned officer and held the position of Squadron Section Commander for a 235-person communications squadron for four years. She was responsible for overseeing all of the squadron’s administrative and personnel needs as well as being the squadron commander’s right hand.
After leaving the Air Force in 1991, she got married and became a stay-at-home mom in 1993. Following her son’s diagnosis of Pervasive Developmental Disorder, she developed and organized his 40-hour/week ABA program at her home in Texas. She performed most of the therapy required to sustain his program.
After Debbie’s son was enrolled at Woods, she started a faux-finish paint company, which was operated out of her home. After moving to Allentown, PA, she gave up the painting business and returned to school in the fall of 2007 to work on her Master’s Degree in Secondary Education with a certification in Mathematics. Debbie also serves on the board for Young People’s Philharmonic – Junior Strings Philharmonic, the Lehigh Valley’s high school and middle school symphony orchestras. Debbie and her husband, Gary, reside in Allentown, Pa. They have three children: Erica, age 16, David, age14, and Jonathan, age 8.
Debbie was elected to serve as the 2009-2010 President of the recently revitalized Woods Partners Family Association (WPFA). She is slated to serve a one-year term. As President, she is tasked with extending support and assistance to family members of Woods’ residents and developing ways for WPFA to enhance the quality of life of Woods’ clients.
Woods Partners Vice-President
Thomas Shade retired in May 2008 after 38 years at AXA Equitable in New York. AXA is a large financial services company headquartered in Paris. It acquired the Equitable Life Assurance of the US in the early 1990's. Within the company, Tom gained experience in many different sectors. Projects included work in product management, marketing, and sales management. Just prior to his retirement, he was a senior vice president responsible for product development of retirement products, including annuities, 401k, and 403(b) plans. During his career he served on several financial services industry committees.
Tom is a graduate of Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, Pa. He also has several industry and FINRA designations.
Outside of work Tom has been active in coaching youth sports and has served as a deacon in his church. He enjoys playing golf and traveling. Tom and his wife Karen live in Lawrenceville, NJ. They are the parents of three children - Brad, age 25, Greg, age 23, and Allison, age 21. His daughter, Allison, is a resident of Woods Services.
Tom was elected to serve as the 2009-2010 Vice-President of the recently revitalized Woods Partners Family Association. He is slated to serve a one-year term. As Vice-President, he is tasked with assisting the WP President with her duties and responsibilities and developing ways for WPFA to enhance the quality of life of Woods’ clients
