Debra has a palpable enthusiasm for the practice of law in the public sector, which she brings to the firm with a wealth of knowledge and experience. She began her legal career as a North Carolina prosecutor and went on to spend almost two decades as the Catawba County Attorney. Debra has provided service and support to elected officials, county employees, citizens and numerous professional groups during her career. She has experience with all aspects of local government law including the Board of Commissioners, Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Medical Services, Fire, Public Health, Environmental Health, Economic Development, Planning and Zoning, Elections, Utilities and Engineering, Public Records and Contracts. Debra is uniquely positioned to partner with local government entities across North Carolina to take proactive steps to reduce liability. This includes reviewing, drafting and improving policies, conducting training and offering real time advice on day-to-day issues.

Debra is naturally altruistic and remains engaged in community initiatives outside the confines of her day job. In addition to being an active member of numerous professional organizations, she is a committed leader who values collaboration. She has served as the President of the NC Police Attorneys Association, the President of the NC County Attorneys Association, the Parliamentarian of the NCACC Legislative Goals Conference and is a Founding Member of the Legal Advisors Section of the National Sheriffs’ Association. Debra has previously served on the Criminal Justice Partnership Board and the Drug Treatment Court Board of NC and is currently working on the state-wide opioid allocation agreement. For her work and leadership, she has been awarded the Catawba County Employee of the Year, the EMS Outstanding Leadership Award and the North Carolina County Attorney of the Year. The NC Association of County Attorneys recently awarded Debra with a Distinguished Service Award and the Presidential Recognition Award for her work on the NC Opioid Allocation Agreement. The Sherrills Ford-Terrell Fire and Rescue also recognized Debra for her dedication to the profession with a Service Award.

Debra is a Professor at Wake Forest University covering topics such as the U.S. Supreme Court and First Amendment. She also develops and presents critical training and in-service for EMS, fire and rescue squads, animal control, school health nurses and social workers across the state. Debra is called upon regularly to speak at continuing education conferences for County Attorneys, Public Heath Directors and the National Sheriffs’ Association.

Originally from New York, Debra finished high school in Florida but began her professional career in North Carolina and has not looked back. She and her husband, Ken, have two grown sons who both graduated from Wake Forest University, where Ken is also a professor.