Council Term

Deborah Searcy was elected to the Village Council of North Palm Beach on March 13, 2018 and currently serves as Councilmember. Dr. Searcy previously served as Mayor in 2022, and Vice Mayor in 2021. 

Background

Deborah Searcy earned a Bachelors in Commerce from the University of Virginia, a M.A. in Medieval Literature from the University of Miami, and a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior from the University of Maryland. Dr. Searcy is now faculty in the Management department at Florida Atlantic University. She currently teaches business strategy, negotiating, and cross-cultural communications to undergraduate and M.B.A. students. She also investigates entrepreneurs and small businesses who decline (and refer away) opportunities, as well as business implications for firms that hire individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Her expertise has been featured in Inc. Magazine, by the BBC, Forbes, in U.S. News and World Report and more.

Dr. Searcy is married and the mother of two young children.

Community Involvement

When not working, Dr. Searcy serves as Co-President of the University of Virginia Alumni Club of the Palm Beaches, is on the board of Best Buddies Palm Beach, volunteers at the Benjamin School, and leads the children’s liturgy at St. Paul of the Cross Church.