Courtney DeBower brings extensive experience in both the policy and nonprofit worlds to Texas Folklife. She began her career in Washington D.C., working for then Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison before being appointed by President George W. Bush to serve as Media Coordinator at the Treasury Department. She has worked in the Texas legislature as both a staff member and a government relations professional.
Courtney is active in the Austin nonprofit community, having worked for various nonprofit organizations and serving on numerous boards. She recently served as an elected member of the board of directors for The Junior League of Austin, an organization of more than 2,000 women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. She is also an active member of the Austin Diaper Bank Policy & Advocacy Committee.
In her free time Courtney enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband and young children. Her favorite Texas Folklife event is The Big Squeeze!