People: Debra Salem
FIGURE SKATING DREAM FULFILLED
Childhood dreams are rarely fulfilled, but former figure skater Debra Salem, '85, managed at least one when she became publicist for Dorothy Hamill's Ice Capades last season.
'(As a child) I had dreams of being Dorothy Hamill, of winning an Olympic gold medal, etc.,' recalls Salem, an Oak Park native who began figure skating at age 8. 'But my parents said that was one in a million.' So she focused on her communication studies at MSU.
After a media career in Detroit, five years with WXYZ-TV and two with WJBK-TV, Debra is now the marketing and PR director for the fast-growing Hungry Howie's Pizza and Subs, Inc., of Livonia. In 1993 she was named chairperson of the 1994 National Figure Skating Championship in Detroit--yes, the one where Nancy Kerrigan was whacked in the knee.
Winner Tonya Harding, gallons of tabloid ink later, had her title revoked by the U.S. Figure Skating Association. 'My role was to get as much media coverage as possible,' says Debra with a tinge of irony. Fortunately, she had resigned to work for Hamill's 'Ice Capades' show. 'When I saw the wacking on TV, I said, 'Oh, no, Detroit gets knocked down again,'' she recounts. 'A premiere sporting event comes to town, and, having dealt with Devil's Night and Detroit's reputation, I said, 'Here we go again.''
But right away she figured it was not a random hit, but a set-up. 'I didn't suspect Tonya Harding,' she says. 'She didn't seem like the kind that would do it. She must have been desperate.'
In retrospect, however, Debra believes the USFSA should have 'come down harder' on Tonya and barred her from Lillehammer. Who did Debra believe should have won the gold? 'Nancy was better technically, but Okasana (Bauil) should have won the artistic impression because Nancy is a bit mechanical,' she offers.
And now, with Hungry Howie's at 290 locations in 16 states, with 30 more franchises about to open, Debra has plenty to focus on away from the ice rink.
