Debbie Johnson
Provo,UT
Summary
Strategic Legislative Advocate with a proven track record of navigating complex policy landscapes. Expert at bridging the gap between department goals and legislative action through relationship-building and innovative problem-solving. Highly regarded for integrity, a collaborative mindset, and the ability to deliver results in high-pressure environments.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
IT Project Manager
Utah Division of Technology/Utah Cyber Center/State of Utah
01.2023 - Current
- Manage outreach efforts to local entities ensuring resources are understood and utilized.
- Spearhead legislative strategy, advancing center priorities and budget needs.
- Lead stakeholder efforts, both public and private, to advance the center's cybersecurity intiatives.
- Build and maintain legislative and government relationships.
Purchasing Manager – Government and Contract Outreach
Utah Division of Purchasing/Department of Administrative Services/State of Utah
01.2015 - 01.2023
- Build strong relationships with government officials and procurement officers to understand their procurement needs.
- Communicate with legislators on constituent issues, drafting of legislation, and budget items involving the Department of Administrative Services, which includes nine divisions.
- Train management and purchasing professionals of Cities, Counties, Public Ed, Charter Schools, Higher Ed, Special Districts, and Non-Profits on public procurement and resources offered by the Division of Purchasing.
- Contact for Departments Executive Directors with any issue or concern addressing procurement.
Legislative and Planning Coordinator
Utah Department of Public Safety/State of Utah
01.2007 - 01.2015
- Spearheaded legislative strategy for the Department of Public Safety, serving as the primary point of contact for state legislators to advance departmental priorities.
- Navigated complex budgetary and policy negotiations across 11 distinct divisions, ensuring alignment between legislative intent and agency operations.
- Facilitated critical communications between the Department and the Governor’s Office to ensure executive-level awareness of emerging legislative issues.
- Directed the administrative rulemaking process for all divisions, guaranteeing 100% compliance with statutory filing deadlines and legal requirements.
- Authored and presented formal statutory reports to legislative committees, translating complex data into actionable insights for policymakers.
- Cultivated strategic partnerships with key stakeholders and elected officials to build consensus on public safety initiatives.
Education
Master of Public Administration - State and Local Government
Southern Utah University
01.2023
Bachelor of Science in Business Management - Entrepreneurial Management
Brigham Young University - Idaho
01.2021
Skills
- Government relations
- Legislative affairs
- Program management
- Public policy
- Public safety
- Public procurement
- Cybersecurity
Websites
Timeline
IT Project Manager
Utah Division of Technology/Utah Cyber Center/State of Utah
01.2023 - Current
Purchasing Manager – Government and Contract Outreach
Utah Division of Purchasing/Department of Administrative Services/State of Utah
01.2015 - 01.2023
Legislative and Planning Coordinator
Utah Department of Public Safety/State of Utah
01.2007 - 01.2015
Bachelor of Science in Business Management - Entrepreneurial Management
Brigham Young University - Idaho
Master of Public Administration - State and Local Government
Southern Utah University