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Debra Smyers has enjoyed gaining over 30 years of experience within the arts and social services sectors. Most recently, since 2020, Ms. Smyers has been employed as the executive director of Fauquier Community Theatre. The nonprofit founded in 1978 enriches, entertains, and educates audiences through a variety of live theatre productions and special programs that enhance the cultural life of the community for all ages. 

As an ardent supporter of the Arts, Ms. Smyers has served twice on each of the grant review panels of Virginia Commission for the Arts and the Arts Council of Fairfax County (ArtsFairfax). In addition, she is an arts education advocate and has contributed her time to many community projects including assisting with forming the very first elementary school band in Prince William County at Yorkshire Elementary School. 

Ms. Smyers is also the principal and founder of Arts Consulting International, LLC connecting performing and visual artists to audiences worldwide. Her work includes grant writing, strategic planning, marketing, artistic programming, and concert planning. 

On the artistic side of the arts, Ms. Smyers is a SAG-AFTRA actress, most recently working in local film projects including all seasons of House of Cards, VEEP, and the historical drama TURN: Washington's Spies. Previously as a non-union actor, Ms. Smyers enjoyed working in The Legend of Bagger Vance and episodes of Law & Order. 

In the social services arena, Ms. Smyers founded the Florida nonprofit Waste Not, Want Not in 1990 that continues to help prevent hunger and poverty in Northern Florida. Ms. Smyers was recognized for her accomplishments in September 2025 during the 35th Anniversary Gala of Waste Not, Want Not.  

As the first graduate of the Master of Arts in Arts Management Program in 2005, Ms. Smyers enjoys being an adjunct professor through the lens of both professor and previous student. Since 2008, her classes also reflect an arts practitioner’s view as she challenges students by assigning projects that serve as examples of actual work in the arts. In addition, Ms. Smyers expanded the Arts Management Internship Program, adding over 40 new internship providers and providing resume assistance to students for career advancement. 

Degrees

• MA, Arts Management, º£½ÇÉçÇø
• BS, Government and Politics, with a Minor in Journalism, University of Maryland

Courses Taught

• Introduction to Grant Writing