Debbie Priddy
Operating Director- HR
Debbie joined the Camp Ozark Permanent Staff in 1988. She now serves as the HR Director for Torn Family Camps. Debbie also serves as a Senior Operating Director at Camp Ozark.
CONTRIBUTIONS
ABOUT Debbie
COLLEGE
Baylor University- Recreation Administration
HOMETOWN
Chattanooga, TN
YEARS AT OZARK
34
BIO
Originally from Kilgore, Texas, and a proud Baylor University alumnae, Debbie was one of the very first people hired by Sam and Susan Torn when they bought Camp Ozark in 1985. Debbie has been an integral part of Camp Ozark’s growth from 22 cabins and <50 total staff members, to almost one hundred cabins and nearly 1000 staff today. She has also contributed to major Torn Family Camp initiatives, including the establishment of Camp War Eagle, Camp OTX, and the Camp Ozark Foundation. Her proudest milestone, though, is being the original Mish Mash Lady! Nowadays, as the HR Director, Debbie oversees the hiring of all positions at Camp Ozark. She is also closely involved with training both fulltime and summer staff. And, as a Senior Operating Director, Debbie helps manage all operations during the summer. Debbie met her husband, Wade (Director of Security), at Camp Ozark while both were working on Summer Staff. They have two adult children–Andy and Bailey.
MET & MARRIED
Debbie and Wade met while they both worked on summer staff at Camp Ozark in 1987. They were married in Hot Springs, Arkansas, in 1990. Their children–Andy and Bailey–grew up at camp, contributing as campers, Support Staff, counselors, and Top Staff. Bailey also served on the Camp Ozark Foundation Permanent Staff. She met her husband, Austin, at Ozark when they were counselors. Fun fact: Andy and Bailey followed in their mother’s and father’s footsteps (respectively) and served as Team Captains while they were counselors…for opposing Teams!
