Deborah Strebel Pierce, a pioneering figure in law enforcement, led a career marked by numerous outstanding achievements. Holding a master’s degree in sports psychology from Cleveland State University and a Bachelor of Arts in health and physical education from Baldwin Wallace University, Ms. Pierce began her professional journey as a health and physical education teacher and coach, working in these roles for five years. To supplement her income, she also worked as a waitress, during which a colleague inspired her to consider a career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), where she was hired in 1979. After training at the FBI Academy, she was assigned to Cleveland, specializing in white-collar crime, particularly fraud and corruption, and undercover work. On the job, she met her future husband, Don Pierce, a training agent.
Through the years, Ms. Pierce took on increasingly significant roles within the FBI. She advanced to management, becoming the relief fraud desk supervisor, and later moved to Washington, D.C., to join her husband. There, she was assigned to the Alexandria field office before being promoted to supervisor in the undercover unit at FBI Headquarters, where she monitored and assisted in running nationwide undercover operations. Ms. Pierce’s career continued to ascend as she transferred to Sacramento, California, to lead the fraud and corruption squad. In this role, she supervised a long-term undercover operation targeting the state legislature, which resulted in the prosecution of many officials. Her exceptional performance led her to a promotion, becoming the assistant special agent in charge of the Milwaukee, Wisconsin, office. There, she oversaw cases related to white-collar crime, terrorism, and intelligence operations within Wisconsin.
Still progressing steadily in her career, from 1999 to 2001, Ms. Pierce worked in the inspection division at FBI Headquarters, conducting global inspections of field and overseas offices. During the 9/11 attacks, she commanded the night shift of the strategic intelligence command center, coordinating activities involving various agencies. She was later assigned to handle the Moussaoui case in Minneapolis, along with other terrorism investigations.
In 2004, Ms. Pierce made history by becoming the first female deputy assistant director of the criminal division, overseeing various criminal programs. She retired from the FBI in 2006, leaving a legacy of trailblazing achievements and dedication to justice. Post-retirement, Ms. Pierce has eagerly continued to share her expertise and experiences. She was an instructor at St. Catherine University from 2006 to 2013 and was the Republican National Committee coordinator for the State of Minnesota in 2007. Between 2008 and 2014, she directed Pierce Consulting, offering her insights and skills to a broader audience.
Deeply civically engaged, Ms. Pierce has served since 2014 as the international vice president of the Consortium for Women Leaders in Public Service, where she has been a vice president, secretary, and board member since 2013. Her commitment to community service extends to her role as a member of The Woman’s Club of Minneapolis since 2002 and as a co-founder of the Pierce-Weber Partnership in the Greater Minneapolis and St. Paul area from 2010 to 2020. In addition to public service, Ms. Pierce has been featured in various creative works, including being interviewed for the podcast Cultivating Careers in 2019 and secured as a keynote speaker and presenter in her field. Her presentations at the Minneapolis Institute of Art and other local organizations reflect her passion for art crime investigation, a field she pursued fervently after retiring from the FBI.
Ms. Pierce’s dedication to law enforcement and public service has been recognized with a litany of awards. In 2005, she received the Presidential Rank Award of Meritorious Executive and Senior Executive Service from the FBI. Her memberships in professional organizations include chairing the Minnesota-Dakota chapter of the Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI Inc. since 2008 and serving as the North Central regional vice president from 2012 to 2014. Moreover, she is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
Throughout her career, Ms. Pierce has expressed a desire to document her extensive work with the FBI into a book. She remains active in art crime investigations, with scheduled presentations in 2024, and continues to contribute to the chapter of retired agents, ensuring its smooth functioning. Ms. Pierce’s remarkable journey, from being a schoolteacher and waitress to a trailblazing FBI executive, exemplifies her resilience, dedication, and commitment to justice. Her legacy continues to inspire and influence the fields of law enforcement and public service.