Director
Deborah Martin is the President and CEO of Service Specialists, a thriving human resources and staffing company located in Canton, Mississippi, with additional branch offices in Ridgeland and Oxford. With a remarkable 56 years of experience in the industry, Service Specialists continues to make significant strides under Deborah’s visionary leadership.
Hailing originally from Kosciusko, Mississippi, Deborah earned her Bachelor’s in Business and Statistics from Mississippi State University in 1985. She further honed her leadership skills by completing the esteemed Center for Creative Leadership’s program on Leadership through Stanford University, obtaining a coveted Train the Trainer certification. In addition, Deborah is recognized by the American Staffing Association as a Certified Staffing Professional, showcasing her commitment to excellence in her field.
Deborah’s career commenced at Coca-Cola USA in marketing before she took on prominent roles at The Clorox Corporation, Sara Lee Products, and BASF/Englehard. Throughout her journey, she excelled in various Human Resources management positions, overseeing intensive leadership training programs in the Netherlands, Rome, and the United States for Englehard’s 800 employees.
In 1998, Deborah seized the opportunity to acquire Service Specialists, and since then, the company has thrived under her guidance. The firm’s three divisions, Staffing and Recruiting, Temporary Employment, and Government Services, have expanded their footprint across multiple states, employing over 500 professionals annually in Madison County and beyond. Notably, Service Specialists boasts a significant relationship with the USDA National Forest Service, securing contracts throughout Mississippi.
Recognized for her outstanding achievements, Deborah has been honored as a Top 40 Business Woman by the Mississippi Business Journal. Additionally, she was celebrated as one of the Top 40 CEOs in the state of Mississippi in 2018. An active participant in Madison County’s business community, Deborah and her team contribute actively through their involvement with the Madison County Business League and the Gluckstadt Madison Business Alliance. Her involvement extends to having served on the Madison County Economic Development Authority Board of Directors and the Governor’s Workforce Development Task Force.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Deborah is deeply committed to philanthropic endeavors. She wholeheartedly supports organizations such as the Warrior Bonfire Program for Purple Heart Recipients, But God Ministries, Operation Shoebox, Palmer Home for Children, and You Gotta Believe Football. Moreover, Service Specialists regularly contributes to educational and athletic initiatives at Velma Jackson High School, Canton High School, Germantown High School, and Madison Central High School.
Service Specialists’ involvement in Madison County is a testament to Deborah’s commitment to uplifting communities. The company is also proudly recognized as an SBA certified Woman-Owned Small Business and a HUBZone Business.
Deborah, along with her husband, David, has been a proud resident of Madison County for 38 years. They raised their two sons, Will and Sam, who now, along with their families, continue to reside in the same community, ensuring that the Martin family legacy remains deeply rooted in Madison County.
