Deborah Canady, MBA, MS
Deborah Canady, MBA, MS, is a dedicated municipal government and corporate professional with a passion for problem-solving and community engagement. She has been with the City of Fayetteville, North Carolina, for close to two years as a Supervisor in the City Manager’s Office, where she serves as a liaison between the community and city leadership. In this role, Deborah helps residents feel heard, translating their concerns to city management and showing them how they can make a meaningful difference by engaging with local government. Her commitment to clear communication, policy compliance, and employee support ensures that both the public and her team receive timely, effective guidance. In addition to her municipal work, Deborah has been active in real estate as a licensed agent with Keller Williams Realty, LLC. She guides buyers and sellers through the process, empowering them with knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions. Her passion for problem-solving and education naturally extends into real estate, where she helps clients navigate complex transactions with transparency and care.
Previously, Deborah spent nearly six years at AT&T, where she earned recognition as a Summit Winner for an entire year, an accomplishment that underscores her dedication, skill, and drive. Deborah holds both a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Science (MS) in Criminal Justice Leadership and Executive Management from Walden University. Her professional journey spans municipal leadership, corporate operations, and real estate, all unified by a commitment to problem-solving, education, and service. With a unique blend of analytical expertise, operational insight, and people-centered leadership, Deborah continues to make a meaningful impact in every community and organization she serves.
Outside of her professional life, Deborah enjoys ballroom dancing and brings that same energy into staying active, including sparring with her cat, ChaCha, who occasionally makes her question being a fur baby parent. In her spare time, she can also be found lovingly (and sometimes desperately) encouraging her plants to thrive.
• Supervisory Operational Skills
• Walden University - Master of Business Administration
• Walden University - Master of Science in Criminal Justice Leadership & Executive Management
• AT&T Summit Winner
• Influential Women Award
• Fayetteville Urban Ministry
• United Way Cumberland County Community Impact Review Panel
• Phoenix Crisis Center
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my children and the experiences I’ve had being told no. My children are my biggest motivation. They push me to keep going, grow, and build a life that sets a strong example for them. They’re at the center of everything I do. At the same time, being told no has played a major role in shaping my resilience. Instead of discouraging me, it’s challenged me to work harder, stay focused, and find another way forward. I like to joke that my brain has a faulty trigger. When I’m told I can’t do something, it glitches and pushes me to prove that I can.
Between that motivation and determination, I’ve developed a strong work ethic, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous growth. I carry that into my work every day, especially in how I serve my team and my community.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the best pieces of career advice I’ve received is that you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. It’s a mindset I carry with me when I’m faced with new opportunities. It reminds me not to let fear or uncertainty hold me back, because if I don’t take the chance, I’ll never know what’s possible. That perspective has pushed me to step outside of my comfort zone and has played a key role in my personal and professional growth.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to build confidence through action and never shrink themselves to fit into any space. How you show up matters. Your presence, your voice, and your consistency will open doors. You don’t have to look like anyone else or sound like anyone else to belong. Your uniqueness is your strength, and the right opportunities will align with who you truly are. Take up space, be intentional, and never dim your light for anyone.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in both municipal government and real estate is meeting growing community needs with limited resources. In the public sector, that looks like increased demand for services and transparency, while in real estate, affordability and access to housing remain major concerns. At the same time, these challenges create opportunities to build stronger relationships, improve community engagement, and develop solutions that truly support people. I see my role as helping bridge that gap by connecting individuals to resources and opportunities that improve their overall quality of life.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me are discipline, self-awareness, and intentionality. I believe in being intentional about how I show up, how I communicate, and the impact I have on others.
Self-awareness allows me to grow and adjust when needed, and discipline keeps me grounded and consistent in my actions. Together, those values help me lead effectively and maintain strong, meaningful relationships both in my work and personal life.