03/16/2026

Leading by example: Deby Cigler’s formula for operational success

Meet Deby, a purpose driven leader transforming safety, culture and the future of manufacturing.

Deby Cigler didn’t discover her passion for operations overnight. Instead, she says it grew gradually as she realized the field allowed her to make the kind of impact she values most.

“A career in operations allowed me to make meaningful environmental improvement, strengthen workplace culture, and positively influence the lives of the people working in manufacturing,” she explains.

Some of Deby's team members at our Sacramento American Building Supply facility.

Today, as Director of Operations, Deby jokes the role is “controlled chaos.” But she quickly clarifies that at its core, operations is about communication and problem solving. She believes that when teams consistently execute these two fundamentals, success naturally follows.

Leading with transparency and purpose

Deby describes her leadership style as “transparent and transformative.” With deep roots in continuous improvement, she works to ensure every team member understands how their decisions affect the broader business.

Her guiding principle is simple: “Doing what is right, not simply doing whatever it takes to hit a goal.”

She encourages her teams to think about the people behind every process. “I want them to consider the real impact on the people on the floor when we fail to improve safety or quality,” she explains.

“Doing what is right, not simply doing whatever it takes to hit a goal.”

Deby Cigler

Director of Operations

Building better, safer workplaces

One of Deby’s proudest accomplishments was transforming the safety culture at one of her most challenging sites.

Shifting mindsets wasn’t easy, but it became her most meaningful win. “Today, the team takes full ownership of safety at every level,” she says, an approach she’s carried to every site she’s led.

She’s especially proud of one simple but powerful sign of operational health: supervisors finally having time to eat lunch. To her, it means processes are stable, quality is strong, and teams aren’t stuck “fighting fires.”

Championing inclusive, smarter work

As a woman in operations, Deby has encountered challenges, from subtle bias to resistance. She uses those experiences to rethink how work gets done.

“I physically cannot lift a 100-pound door over my head, and frankly, I don’t want anyone doing that,” she says.

Instead of accepting outdated norms, she redesigns processes, so the work is accessible and safe for everyone. “Solving problems this way opens doors not just for women, but for anyone.”

Her advice for women in operations and leadership is simple and empowering: “Say yes and figure it out as you go.”

She believes many women underestimate their readiness, and her career proves taking the leap often leads to growth.

Team members on the AES line at the Stockton, California, American Building Supply facility.

Powering the next era of operations

Deby sees enormous potential as the industry embraces digital tools. “We have so much valuable data trapped on paper,” she says. Digitizing systems allow teams to understand root causes rather than simply treat symptoms.

She’s equally enthusiastic about automation, not because it replaces people, but because it elevates them. “Automation makes work safer, creates higher-paying roles, and provides a better work experience for everyone.”

Driven by people, powered by purpose

Above all, Deby is inspired by helping people grow. “What motivates me most is seeing the people and teams I’ve mentored succeed,” she says.

Team members from our Stockton, California, American Building Supply facility.

In her early career, Deby originally pursued chemistry to help the planet. Today, her mission has evolved: to build workplaces where people feel valued, supported and empowered.

As she puts it, “I still want to help save the planet, but I also want it to be a happier place, not just a cleaner one.”

Categories: Our People

Tags: Leadership People Safety