My mother realized I had a knack for financial planning when I was in kindergarten. I managed to save enough money to buy myself a bicycle and insisted on taking it to show and tell. I wanted to spread the word that if my classmates saved their money like I did, they too could buy their very own bicycle one day. 

 As someone who was always good with numbers, I pursued an accounting degree at Bucknell University. After graduating, I worked as a corporate accountant for several years and passed my CPA exam. My employer offered a tuition reimbursement program and, never one to leave free money on the table, I enrolled in an MBA program at George Washington University. I took part-time classes and eventually earned an MBA in Finance and Investments.

 Toward the end of my MBA program, I realized that I had more of a passion for financial planning than accounting. Instead of simply reporting on what had already happened, I could make things happen. After extended research and consideration, I decided to join New York Life because of the company’s financial strength, stability and wide range of financial products and solutions. I continued to increase my knowledge and services by earning Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designations.

I have been a financial planner for over 30 years. Although my practice has grown, I remain committed to providing excellent customer service to each of my clients. I have worked with a wide range of clients including individuals, families, and businesses. I enjoy the challenge of putting all the numbers together to form a plan and seeing my clients reach their goals.

 

Do you have more financial responsibilities than resources? That's not uncommon these days—not when so many of us are trying to pay off our mortgages, prepare for retirement, save for college, and care for aging relatives. That's where it helps to have a financial professional by your side—someone who can evaluate your needs, assess your priorities, and recommend solutions that help address your financial goals and objectives.

Deborah L. Lewis, CFP, ChFC, MBA, CPA

Financial Advisor

My Core Values

Professional Excellence – My dedication to financial planning, along with my certifications as a CFP® and ChFC®, demonstrate my commitment to excellence in my field. As a Lifetime Council Member with New York Life and a member of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), I continually strive for professional growth and to provide the highest level of service to my clients.

Service and Integrity – I am deeply involved in various professional organizations such as NAIFA and Planning for Senior Life (PSL). My focus on customer service and comprehensive financial planning is a reflection of my core value of delivering high-quality service with integrity.

Community and Leadership – Serving as Treasurer for my church and being selected to New York Life’s Agents Advisory Council (AAC) are ways I give back to my community. I am also passionate about taking on leadership roles that positively impact both my profession and those around me.

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  • Debbie joined New York Life following a career in corporate accounting

  • MBA in Finance and Investments

  • Licensed Agent for New York Life Insurance Company since 1993

  • Registered Representative, NYLIFE Securities LLC (member FINRA/SIPC), a Licensed Insurance Agency

  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation

  • Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) designation

  • Investment Adviser Representative with Eagle Strategies LLC, a Registered Investment Adviser

  • Lifetime Council Member with New York Life (2024)

  • Life member of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT)*

  • Member, National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA)

  • Member, Planning for Senior Life (PSL) Treasurer 2025

  • New York Life’s Agents Advisory Council (AAC) in 2015

  • Treasurer for church

  • Focused on excellent customer service and overall financial planning

*MDRT is recognized throughout the industry as the standard of excellence in life insurance sales performance.

**Awarded by New York Life Insurance Company for outstanding sales achievements. Council is an annual company recognition program based on agent production from July 1- June 30.

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Sarah Zorio

Registered Service Assistant

Sarah secured the spot of favorite child in her family when she followed in her father’s footsteps to join the financial services industry.  Her father, Mike Zorio, spent over 40 years at New York Life, enjoying a fulfilling career that allowed him to be present for his family.  She grew up admiring her father’s knowledge of all things financial and still occasionally picks his brain. 

 As a college student, Sarah worked for her father and Debbie who shared an office and an administrative assistant.  Over the years, she filled in while their other assistants were out on extended leave.  Sarah became a licensed and registered agent in 2014.  With a bachelor’s degree in psychology, she has a particular interest in the emotions surrounding financial decisions.

 Sarah worked closely with Debbie leading up to her father’s retirement.  His clients quickly learned that they were in very good hands with Debbie who shares Mike’s uwavering commitment to always doing the right.  A year later, the opportunity arose to also work with another financial advisor who trained Sarah as a new agent.  Sarah now enjoys the challenge of supporting two brilliant, successful women.

Sarah met her wonderfully patient husband at New York Life.  They are outnumbered by three daughters who keep them on their toes and one very loud cat.  She and her family escape to the water as often as possible. 

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Candice  D. Guillaudeu

Assistant

Candice D. Guillaudeu is dedicated to expanding her knowledge of the insurance and financial industries. With a strong commitment to excellence, she supports the team with organizational expertise and exceptional client care, ensuring the smooth operation of the business.

Before joining Debbie Lewis’ Financial practice, Candice built an impressive career as an IT business analyst, contributing to various federal, state, and local government projects, including work with the U.S. Senate, White House, and U.S. Navy. During and after her tenure in IT, Candice took time to care for her aging mother, navigating the complex and emotionally challenging role of caregiver. This personal experience deepened her empathy for people in vulnerable positions and reinforced her understanding of the important decisions caregivers face daily.

Candice is also an avid animal lover and foster caregiver for dogs. Early in 2024, she fostered a little black Toy Poodle Max who ended up adopting her after he came back twice!  This heartwarming connection underscores Candice’s belief in the power of compassion and community.

In her free time, Candice enjoys tutoring an ESL student, delving into history and art while developing her drawing and painting skills. Her multifaceted interests and experiences enrich the collaborative environment working with Debbie and the team, making her an indispensable member.

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Maryanna Lanham

Assistant

Maryanna Lanham is an integral member of the financial team Debbie Lewis has built, where she focuses on streamlining processes, enhancing client outreach, and supporting day-to-day operations across various projects. With a foundation in finance that began in 2014 as an agent, financial professional, and partner at New York Life.

Maryanna has shared her insights and experiences in a chapter of the book The Extraordinary Makeover: Hidden Expressions of the Everyday Woman. Recognized as a “Woman to Watch” in both 2022 and 2023, she has been featured in several local newspapers for her impactful work in the community. She holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland, College Park, and has received the Beacon of Light Award from Calvert County, along with more than $70,000 in grants for local initiatives. In 2023, she became an alumnus of Leadership Southern Maryland and was included in Marquis Who’s Who.

At the core of Maryanna's success is her deep passion for helping others, along with gratitude for those who have supported her journey. In the coming years, she plans to develop a leadership and mentoring course aimed at empowering women and fostering strong community connections.

Maryanna has also embraced her role as a caregiver, having supported her father in 2024 and now welcoming her mother into her home. She takes this responsibility seriously while remaining dedicated to supporting the clients and partners on Debbie Lewis’s team.

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