Steve Debrum
Farmer, Businessman & Community Leader
Steve DeBrum was born and raised on a 160-acre farm in Hanford California, where he learned the value of hard work. In High School, he was active in Future Farmers of America, earning special awards including the Greenhand Degree, Chapter Farmer Degree, and State Farmer Degree pins.
DeBrum graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a BS in Dairy Husbandry. While in college, he served as a State Officer in the California Association of Future Farmers of America and earned earn the prestigious American Farmer Degree.
After earning his degree, Steve was hired by Foremost Foods Company, where he held multiple positions including quality control, field services, and manufacturing cheese. In 1979, Steve became a partner of Knudsen Corporation (Kamco) - one of only twelve dairies located in the San Joaquin Valley. He was a partner until it was sold in 1984. Steve later went to work for the Petaluma Cooperative Creamery, which later was taken over by Dairy Farmers of America, where Steve served as Northern Area Manager, covering California and Nevada. In 2016 DeBrum served on the board of the California Creamery Operators where he was elected board chairman.
Throughout his career, Steve took the time to serve his community, including leadership roles in Kiwanis, Manteca Chamber of Commerce, Conventions and Visitors Bureau, Boys and Girls Club, and Knights of Columbus. DeBrum also served on the Council of Governments Citizens Advisory Committee, Manteca Chamber Foundation Board, and East Union Cemetery Finance Committee. In 2021, he was unanimously selected as Chairman of the bipartisan San Joaquin County Redistricting Commission, and in 2009 Steve was named to the Manteca Hall of Fame for Community Service.
Steve DeBrum is best known for his service as an elected leader. Voters selected him for the Manteca City Council in a special election in 2002 and overwhelmingly re-elected him in 2004, 2008, and 2012. DeBrum was then elected Mayor of Manteca where he served for one term. During his service, he led efforts to improve fire and police services, streamline services, and attract new jobs and businesses to Manteca - including Bass Pro and Great Wolf Lodge.
Steve is married to his High School sweetheart Veronica. They have two grown children, Gregory and Stephanie.
