Deborah is a Global program leader with expertise in conflict resolution, capacity building, and public sector engagement. Proven ability to lead international programs, manage complex partnerships, and achieve results.

Independent Consultant (Current)
Clients: RESOLVE (nonprofit tackling social, environmental, and health challenges) and Regeneration (public benefit corporation focused on sustainable minerals).
Drafted and revised grant proposals and funder reports, translating complex work into compelling narratives.
Synthesized inputs from stakeholders into cohesive drafts aligned with funder priorities and compliance requirements.
Conducted funder research and supported donor stewardship through tailored communications.

USDA, APHIS – Program Manager, International Services (02/2022 – 04/2025)
Managed $80M+ in technical collaboration and led international capacity-building initiatives.
Key contributor to African Swine Fever containment in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Oversaw partnerships across agencies, universities, and foreign governments.
Managed a $20M partnership with the Department of Defense’s Defense Threat Reduction Agency, including work in South Africa on transboundary animal diseases.

Short-term Assignments

USDA, Office of the Chief Scientist (08/2024 – 12/2024): Co-led Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate, engaging global partners to support climate-smart agriculture.
USDA, APHIS – Biotechnology Regulatory Services (07/2023 – 10/2023): Led communications team supporting biotechnology policy.
USDA, Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) – International Program Specialist (05/2016 – 02/2022)
Directed $100M+ projects on food safety, export promotion, and regulatory reform.
Introduced USDA biocontrol technology (AflaPak™) in Pakistan through public-private partnerships.
Guided regulatory modernization for biopesticides and aflatoxin control in Pakistan.
Led interagency food safety coalition and international education campaigns.
Feed the Future Partnering for Innovation / Fintrac – Director, Knowledge Management & Communications (01/2013 – 04/2016)
Directed communications for USAID's agribusiness initiative, reaching over 1 million smallholder farmers.
Built knowledge-sharing platforms and social media presence.
Piloted training programs and global workshops.

Keystone Policy Center – Vice President (07/2007 – 09/2012)
Led public-private stakeholder dialogues on energy, agriculture, and sustainability.

Co-created the Green Products Roundtable, which evolved into the Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council.
Facilitated high-profile discussions and built consensus across sectors.

U.S. Senate – Legislative Assistant
Supported policy development and constituent services for Senator William L. Armstrong.

Council on Foundations / Grantmakers In Health / National Center for Family Philanthropy / Exponent Philanthropy – Director-level roles (06/1986 – 07/2007)
Led initiatives on health philanthropy, family philanthropy, starting and ruuning a foundation, and board effectiveness.

Education & Certifications

M.A., Public Policy – Georgetown University (Merit Scholar)
B.A., English & History – Wellesley College (Honors, cum laude)

Awards & Distinctions

USDA Secretary’s Award (Abraham Lincoln Award) – Pakistan Agricultural Programs
Multiple USDA Performance Awards
Featured Speaker – FAO, U.S. Embassy Islamabad, Joint Special Operations University, University of Tel Aviv