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Deborah Meyers
Director, Canadian Affairs and Senior Advisor on North America at U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Deborah Waller Meyers is a distinguished public servant currently serving as the Director of Canadian Affairs and Senior Advisor on North America at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).12 In this role, she leads and coordinates DHS's engagement with Canada to ensure a unified approach in advancing the department's mission and priorities.1
Career and Responsibilities
Meyers' work at DHS spans a wide range of responsibilities, including:
- Counterterrorism
- Law enforcement
- Border management
- Transportation security
- Travel and trade facilitation
- Cybersecurity and critical infrastructure security
- Health security
- Emergency preparedness and resilience1
Her day-to-day activities are diverse and dynamic, involving tasks such as:
- Negotiating bilateral agreements
- Briefing DHS leadership
- Drafting press releases and talking points
- Responding to Congressional inquiries
- Guiding implementation of White House initiatives
- Meeting with private and non-profit sector stakeholders
- Traveling to Canada and the shared U.S.-Canada border1
Background and Education
Meyers is a 1993 graduate of Brandeis University, where she majored in U.S. history and Spanish.1 During her time at Brandeis, she was involved in extracurricular activities, including singing with the female a cappella group In Sync and performing in theatrical productions.1
Professional Journey
Before her current role at DHS, Meyers' career path included:
- Working with the U.S. Commission on Immigration Reform
- Experience in the non-profit sector, particularly with think tanks and policy research institutes
- Returning to government work in the Executive Branch, focusing on policy development and implementation1
Achievements and Highlights
Throughout her career at DHS, Meyers has accomplished several notable achievements:
- Accompanying multiple DHS Secretaries to Canada
- Briefing incoming U.S. Ambassadors and senior officials
- Playing a key role in negotiating and implementing agreements to enhance homeland security
- Representing DHS at international meetings in Canada, Australia, and France
- Supporting White House preparations for North American Leaders' Summits, including traveling on Air Force One in 20161
Meyers is known for her dedication to mentoring and supporting the professional development of her colleagues, taking pride in their success over the past decade.1