Consulting Services

With over three decades of executive leadership in the performing arts—including theater, classical music, contemporary opera, dance, and festivals—I’ve guided organizations through transformative chapters. From scaling strategic growth and securing financial resilience to amplifying bold artistic vision, my work has always centered innovation and integrity. Today, as an arts consultant, I collaborate with changemakers and institutions to navigate complexity, cultivate leadership, and co-create pathways toward a more sustainable and equitable cultural future.

  • Guiding emerging and established leaders—especially leaders of color—to navigate complexity, embrace their power, and lead with clarity and confidence.

  • Strengthening development campaigns through targeted assessments, actionable strategy, and storytelling that inspires.

  • Aligning organizational goals with mission, clarifying priorities, and designing a roadmap for long-term impact.

  • Partnering with leadership to build dynamic, diverse, and high-functioning boards that fuel mission-driven work.

  • Providing steady, experienced leadership during transition—stabilizing operations and setting the stage for long-term success.

My work is grounded in a deep understanding of the evolving cultural landscape and a lifelong commitment to equity, resilience, and relevance in the arts. Whether stepping in as an interim executive or serving as a strategic advisor, I bring a collaborative spirit, seasoned perspective, and results-driven approach to every engagement.

Let’s connect if you’re ready to reimagine what’s possible—for yourself, your team, and your organization.

Contact Debbie

Testimonials

  • I am thrilled to learn that Debbie Chinn is now making herself available for coaching and mentorship. What Ms Chinn has to pass on is enormous. A national leader in the Arts as a top ranked professional, Ms Chinn has proven her talents not only in administration but in leading staff through unique and dynamic mentoring. Her years of leadership has set a new standards in harnessing individual talents into company success. Debbie Chinn leads by example and cares deeply for the individual to develop - a commitment missed by many senior managers. Whether it is soldering the demands of getting a production to opening night, or planning and serving long range goals, Debbie Chinn is an industry leader, much sought after. That she is now offering her expertise to individual and group coaching and mentorship is a huge defining moment.

    Craig Slaight
    Young Conservatory Director, Emeritus
    American Conservatory Theater

  • At the helm of Anna Deavere Smith's Pipeline Project, Debbie gave me so much more than professional experience – she gave me time-tested wisdom that nurtured my soul as an artist in a world that so often seems fundamentally incompatible with art. She consistently walks the walk. championing causes and organizations that make our world a better place through stories, and she helped me navigate one of the most challenging professional hurdles in my adult artist career. She is a mentor, a friend, and a true change-maker, I can't recommend her enough!

    Matthew Ruehlman, Social Media Strategist