Governor's Message

Deborah Linden is a native Californian, raised in Sunnyvale. She began her law enforcement career with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department as a Deputy Sheriff at the age of 22. During her 18-year tenure at the Sheriff’s Department, Deb served in a variety of assignments including patrol, narcotics detective, major crimers investigations, sergeant, lieutenant, and commander. She was hired by the City of San Luis Obispo as Chief of Police on January 1, 2003 and retired from law enforcement in December 2011 after serving nine years as police chief. Deb is now an instructor and training coordinator for various organizations, including the California Police Chiefs Association and the Centre for Organization Effectiveness.

Deb holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from U.C. Santa Barbara and a Master of Arts degree in Leadership from St. Mary’s College in Moraga. 

Deb joined the Rotary Club of San Luis Obispo in 2003. She has served as a Club President, District Conference Coordinator, Assistant Governor, and District Chief Operating Officer before being selected to serve as District 5240 Governor for 2020-2021. She has been married to her wonderful husband Bill for 24 years and they enjoy two adult sons, Trevor and Craig, five year old grandson Koby, and a 2 year old Boxer named Kona.