- Member Spotlight
Deanna L.S. Gregory, Pacifica Law Group, LLP, Seattle, WA
Deanna practices municipal finance and general municipal law, with emphasis on general obligation and utility revenue financings. Her experience includes serving as bond counsel, disclosure counsel and underwriter’s counsel on financing matters for a variety of public entities, including counties, cities, public utility districts, ports, fire protection districts, public hospital districts, transit agencies, public development…
Tell us a little about yourself – your family, your hobbies, etc.
I live in the lower foothills of the Cascade Mountain Range (about 25 miles east of Seattle, WA) with my husband and two kiddos. Our 12-year-old son plays select/club baseball and football, and our eight-year-old daughter is a competitive gymnast, so you can frequently find me on the side lines cheering them on or volunteering for various school or sports related tasks, helping with homework, or driving carpool. I love to run with our dog, and each year I participate in a handful of long-distance running races and triathlons. About two years ago, I decided to start ticking through my “bucket” list, and last year I finished my first full Ironman (Canada) and added the New York Marathon to the tally. I’m currently training for a series of 70.3 triathlon races this summer (including one as a fundraising team) and taking ballet classes to someday (likely very far into the future) earn my own pointe shoes. We also love to travel, bike, hike, spend time in the yard, and hang out with the kids.
What would you say to those involved in public finance to encourage them to attend The Workshop?
The Workshop is the premier educational program for staying on top of developments in public finance law and shouldn’t be missed! The breadth and depth of the program means that there is something for everyone – whether you have been practicing for five or 35 years. The agenda this year is terrific – a variety of sessions focused on strengthening your technical skills, best practices, diversity, reducing risk, and industry trends. You will also have time for socializing and networking with your colleagues – these are relationships and friendships that will last a lifetime. The NABL standing committees will also hold meetings at the Workshop, making it the perfect place to learn more about the committees and how you can get involved. All are welcome to join us at the General Law and Practice Committee meeting!
What, in your opinion, is the most important service that NABL provides to its members?
At the top of my list would be community. For me, community captures a key and invaluable service that NABL provides its members. From the educational programs, NABL U, online library, networking and socializing opportunities, and committee work, NABL has created a forum where public finance practitioners from across the country can come together and learn from each other, develop long-lasting friendships, and really work together for the benefit of the industry. There are countless ways you can get involved, and as a member of the community, you are bound to meet some really, outstanding people and learn a lot. NABL is the common thread that brings all of us together.
If you could have dinner with two famous people (from the past and/or present), who would you choose and why?
This is a tough one! I also have a long list for this answer (I may have a list for everything). Steve Prefontaine because he changed the culture of running and I wish I could have watched him race. Dinner would have to be at the track so we could run, or more realistically I could time him while he laps me. The other is Carrie Fisher. Her advocacy, career and story is really something – I would love to sit and chat with her. And I confess, I’m a complete Star Wars geek.