Maggie A. DeBoard is a transformative public safety executive whose 38-year journey in law enforcement is marked by visionary leadership, an unwavering commitment to officer wellness, and a steadfast dedication to strengthening community trust. From her earliest days as a police officer in Fairfax County, Virginia, to her long-standing role as Chief of Police in Herndon, she has exemplified the values of service, integrity, and resilience. Maggie’s career has been defined not only by the ranks she attained, but by the lives she touched, the crises she managed, and the progressive programs she pioneered.
Rising through the ranks of one of the nation’s most complex public safety landscapes, Maggie assumed command roles that placed her at the center of high-stakes emergency response, regional collaboration, and policy innovation. She served as Deputy Chief in Fairfax County, where she led criminal investigations, intelligence units, special operations, and forensic services. Her leadership during national emergencies such as the 9/11 attacks and the DC Sniper investigation demonstrated her poise under pressure and ability to steer large agencies through extraordinary times with strategic clarity and human-centered decision-making.
Her appointment as Chief of Police in Herndon marked a new chapter of transformational leadership. Maggie oversaw a full-service agency within the National Capital Region, navigating unprecedented challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic and the national police reform movement of 2020–2021. Under her guidance, Herndon’s police department not only maintained operational effectiveness but became a model of resilience and innovation. She led the charge to build a nationally recognized mental health and wellness program for first responders—one of her proudest accomplishments—which has since served as a regional model for departments across the country.
Maggie’s focus on inclusive, community-based policing redefined the role of law enforcement within diverse neighborhoods. Her department became the first Sensory Inclusive Certified agency in Virginia, an initiative that ensured equitable service delivery to individuals with sensory sensitivities and invisible disabilities. These groundbreaking efforts were not mandated—they were inspired by Maggie’s belief that public safety begins with empathy, cultural understanding, and respect for all members of the community.
Throughout her career, Maggie has been a bridge-builder—linking local departments with federal entities such as the FBI, DEA, ATF, and Secret Service. She directed participation in joint task forces targeting violent crime, cyber threats, and child exploitation, and established units like a Computer Forensics Lab and Crime Analyst Program to modernize investigative capabilities. Her commitment to data-driven policing and technology-enabled investigations reflects her forward-thinking approach to public safety in an era of rapid change.
Beyond her command roles, Maggie’s contributions to the profession are equally impressive. As the first female President of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police, she became a powerful advocate for legislative reform, officer mental health support, and leadership development. She co-developed the Chief and Command Executive Certification Program and spearheaded the Women’s Law Enforcement Conference, furthering her mission to elevate the profession and open doors for the next generation of leaders.
Maggie’s passion for mental wellness among first responders led her to co-found the Foundation for First Responder Wellness and Resiliency.Through this nonprofit, she is raising funds and awareness to build a holistic treatment center dedicated to active and retired public safety professionals coping with trauma and burnout. Her work, and the foundation’s research, are becoming a rallying point for national efforts to reduce stigma and improve access to care, reminding us that those who protect us deserve the highest standard of support and compassion.
Public speaking, writing, and teaching have been integral components of Maggie’s advocacy. She has presented on leadership, crisis management, and first responder mental health at conferences, seminars, and institutional forums across the country. Her work has been cited in numerous articles, and her contributions—particularly through podcasts and speaking engagements on officer safety and agency culture—have influenced policy and practice well beyond her immediate circles of command. While she has not published extensively in writing, she continues to shape discourse through her voice and presence, and looks forward to expanding her written contributions as she deepens her work with her foundation. Her ability to communicate complex issues with authenticity and clarity has made her a sought-after voice in national conversations on policing and public trust.
Maggie’s academic credentials, including a Master’s in Homeland Security and Defense from the Naval Postgraduate School, a B.S. in Criminal Justice from George Mason University, and executive training through the FBI National Academy, reflect her commitment to continual learning and operational excellence. These educational experiences have fueled her strategic insights and deepened her understanding of evolving threats and organizational dynamics in the modern age.
Today, as she transitions from full-time leadership to board and advisory roles, Maggie is driven by a desire to continue serving. She seeks opportunities where she can apply her hard-won insights to help organizations—regardless of industry—navigate change, manage crises, strengthen cultures, and lead with vision. Whether advising on strategic planning, workforce wellness, or community engagement, Maggie offers a unique lens, shaped by decades of field-tested leadership and a lifelong dedication to service.
Character:
Maggie is grounded in compassion and courage, always leading with integrity and placing the well-being of others at the heart of her mission. Her career has consistently reflected a deep commitment to ethical leadership and the betterment of communities and colleagues alike.
Knowledge:
Her subject matter expertise spans public safety, crisis management, law enforcement leadership, and strategic governance. With decades of operational, legislative, and instructional experience, Maggie brings an exceptional depth of understanding to every challenge.
Strategic:
Maggie has successfully guided large organizations through periods of transformation and uncertainty with bold vision and meticulous planning. Her approach blends practical experience with long-term thinking to deliver sustainable, mission-aligned outcomes.
Communication:
Whether addressing lawmakers, mentoring officers, or engaging with the public, Maggie’s communication style is both authoritative and empathetic. She conveys ideas with clarity and purpose, ensuring trust and understanding among diverse stakeholders.
