Debra Linn Talley
Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity
Debra Linn Talley, Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, joined the Jackson Administration in January 2006.
She oversees the office that administers and monitors compliance with the city’s Cleveland Area Business programs and its Resident Employment Law requirements. The office also provides managerial and technical assistance to support and promote certified business enterprise development. Targeted business enterprises include minority, female and smaller enterprises.
Before joining the City, Talley spent nine years as an Assistant Prosecutor with the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office. Her legal experience includes general representation of governmental agencies, municipal bond work, and general litigation. She previously worked in the banking industry in both retail banking management and operations.
A native Clevelander who lives on the east side, Talley is very active in the community. She serves as a board member for the Cleveland Area League of Women Voters among other efforts.
Talley has a bachelor’s degree in economics, and she received her law degree from Case Western Reserve University.
