Deb Furlong currently oversees program operations for the Phoenix Business and Workforce Development Board. She believes in the power of work and building equity in her communities. Her workforce journey has provided many opportunities to support individuals overcome barriers to employment. Deb spearheaded the opening of some of the nation’s first America’s Job Centers in a local jail and the first in California. Under her leadership, a second Job Center opened at the women’s reentry facility in San Diego. Deb had also managed the STRIVE Job Readiness Training program, Pre-apprenticeship programs and San Diego’s Reentry Collaborative Court programs. Which offers an alternative sentencing for individuals to address addiction, mental health, intensive case management and employment services. At Maricopa County her team was number #1 in the nation to support apprenticeships with WIOA funding, and she is a proud member of the Arizona Apprenticeship Advisor Committee. Deb has more than 20 years of experience in Workforce Development, working at organizations such as Goodwill, the San Diego Housing Commission, Second Chance, Maricopa County and now the City of Phoenix. She holds a Master’s in Leadership and Organizational Studies and in her spare time, loves camping, hiking and do-it-yourself projects!