Debra Bills

Debra Bills is a Field Supervisor for the United States Fish and Wildlife Service where she works for the Ecological Service office in Arlington, Texas. Debra works with wonderful colleagues to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.

Debra is originally from Chicago, Illinois. As a child, she loved being outdoors, camping with the Boys and Girl's Club, and exploring Chicago's Field Museum and the Shedd Aquarium. After finishing her undergraduate degree at George Williams College in Downer's Grove, Illinois, Debra travelled to the Redwood Forest of California to work with the Youth Conservation Corps and further her love of nature. She then spent a few years travelling to Alaska and serving in the Peace Corps in Senegal for 2 years until she finally enrolled in Graduate School at Oregon State University. After earning a master’s degree in Fisheries, Debra worked seasonally for the US Fish and Wildlife Service starting in the early 1990s. Debra began her current position in 2013.

When not working, Debra enjoys reading about fish and wildlife, and biogeography, but her greatest joy comes from being outside, birding, and observing wild places. It's always interesting to talk to young people from Chicago or other urban areas who have the same interests but don't know that they too could have this type of career. Let's talk!