Debbie Wieland

Debbie Wieland brings a dynamic combination of industry expertise and educational leadership to her role as Educational Outreach & Foundation Director for the Texas Hotel & Lodging Association (THLA). A native Texan born and raised in San Antonio, Debbie earned her Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences from Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University) in San Marcos.

With a distinguished career spanning both the hospitality and education sectors, Debbie has been instrumental in advancing Career and Technical Education (CTE) initiatives in Texas. Prior to joining THLA, she served as Assistant Director of CTE at the Texas Education Agency (TEA), where she developed statewide programs of study, including those in the Hospitality & Tourism career cluster. Her work supported Lodging & Resort Management, Travel & Tourism Management, and Culinary Arts programs, ensuring robust career pathways for Texas students.

Debbie’s roots in hospitality education began in the classroom, where she developed a successful Lodging and Resort Management program in partnership with leading Austin-area hotels. Her dedication to student success and industry engagement earned her recognition as Teacher of the Year by the Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers Association of Texas and a Hall of Fame honoree by the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA).

In her current role, Debbie is focused on increasing the number of Texas high schools and colleges offering Lodging and Resort Management programs of study. She works closely with the Texas Education Agency to secure approval for additional lodging-related certifications, making these programs more accessible and attractive to school districts. By enhancing public perceptions of lodging as a rewarding career path, Debbie ensures that future generations recognize the industry's potential for growth and opportunity.

Debbie also collaborates with the THLA Educational Foundation Committee to develop strategies that achieve these goals. Her efforts are aimed at cultivating a larger pool of skilled candidates for Texas hotels, supported by accurate salary and career opportunity data shared with local, state, and federal agencies.

Before her career in education, Debbie spent 18 years with H-E-B Grocery Company in Store Operations and Human Resources Management, honing her skills in leadership, customer service, and workforce development.

When she’s not championing hospitality education, Debbie enjoys traveling and attending country music events with her husband, Roger Wieland.