Deb Sheppard

I have over 15 years serving through advocacy, public service, and creative outreach. This community has shaped my heart, my purpose, and my commitment to public service. I currently serve as Chair of Greenville’s Recreation and Parks Commission, where I’ve advocated for and recommended over $1.9 million in grant funding to City Council to improve our parks and public spaces. I was actively involved in the adoption of the Recreation and Park Comprehensive Master Plan, and I’ve provided input on major projects like Eppes Recreation Center, Greenfield Terrace, and Wildwood Park—always with a focus on equity, access, and joy for every neighborhood. Growing up in poverty and holding degrees in Psychology and Sociology, I understand the impact of generational poverty, trauma, and systemic inequity, and how those challenges show up in our families, our schools, and our neighborhoods. That perspective drives my approach to public safety—not just as policing, but as prevention and opportunity. I also serve on the North Carolina Juvenile Justice Planning Committee, where I advocate for youth engagement and support over punishment and isolation. I’m the founder of HeARToscope, a local nonprofit that just celebrated five years of using art to promote healing and economic development in our underserved communities. We’ve hosted a number of cultural arts festivals, installed public art in West Greenville, and created platforms for youth and emerging artists to build wealth through creative expression.

Once in office, I plan to establish quarterly small business check-ins with downtown businesses to assess needs as well as establish voluntary exit interviews for downtown businesses that have to close or relocate, ensuring their experiences help shape better support and policies. I have also already established a DISTRICT 2 SMALL BUSINESS LISTERV to build a direct communication channel so all small businesses across DISTRICT 2 receive timely notifications about city resources, grants, and opportunities.

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