Debbie started her career in public service in 1997 when she joined Westminster City Council's graduate fast track programme. She worked in a variety of roles over 7 years increasingly focussing on large scale regeneration and environment projects and tenders. Debbie left her last role as Head of Highways Management at Westminster to join Lambeth Council's Finance department with a remit over major projects Council wide. In this role Debbie oversaw the boroughs Building School's for the Future programme, £200m housing PFI and a range of physical regeneration projects. After two years, Debbie took the role of Head of Physical Regeneration which she held until 2008.

Debbie joined the Environment team at the London Development Agency in October 2008. Debbie is responsible for Environment Strategy and the Mayoral priority to drive London's transition to a low carbon economy. As part of this, Debbie is also responsible for proposals for a Green Enterprise District in East London.