Senior Public Planning Manager, Center for Houston’s Future A native Houstonian and graduate of Bellaire High School, Deborah launched her career by working for legislators in Austin and in Washington, D.C., where she was also a legislative policy analyst. She then received a J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center and spent eight years in private practice, working on public policy for business development, child health and safety, and clean air. Her current focus is on regional policy for water quality, parks and open space, urban infrastructure and development. She has served on several boards, including the American Red Cross and the Women’s Crisis Support Center in Galveston County. Deborah has also served as policy manager of the Greater Houston Partnership’s Quality of Life Programs and is a former Executive Director of Scenic Houston.