Stephanie Keller Hudiburg is the Executive Director of the Deep Ellum Foundation (DEF) where she oversees collective efforts to chart a sustainable and inclusive growth trajectory for the unparalleled Deep Ellum Cultural District. During her tenure, she has spearheaded the Public Improvement District’s strategic plan development and implementation - achieving or advancing 87% of over 100 action items in 6 years - and raised over $8.75 million in private and public grant investments. She launched several subsequent plans including a cultural plan and community safety plan which, after release, contributed to double digit reductions in crime in the first two years. Under her leadership, DEF works daily to promote the Deep Ellum neighborhood and its culture, enhance public safety, and create an inviting environment. Stephanie also leads community visioning for major transportation and infrastructure improvements and oversees a coalition effort across government, nonprofits, and sister districts to advance the forthcoming Dallas Cultural Trail.
Previously, she served as the Director of Programs and Partnerships at The Real Estate Council. There she led member engagement in TREC’s public policy initiatives as well as oversaw educational programs and several institutional partnerships. Prior to moving to Dallas, Stephanie received her Master of Public Policy degree from Georgetown University. She co-founded Georgetown’s Policy Innovation Lab to leverage student skills and engage policy experts, city practitioners, and community stakeholders in addressing pressing urban policy dilemmas in the District of Columbia. While in D.C. she also served within the State Department, Office of Management and Budget, and Institute for Women’s Policy Research. Stephanie began her career as a research analyst for the Massachusetts Legislature’s Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Business after graduating from Boston College. While at the Legislature, she also served as Chief of Staff for State Representative and Committee Chair, Linda Dorcena Forry. During her tenure, she supported the passage of several significant pieces of legislation providing tax incentives for community development, enhancing state resources for small businesses, and protecting temporary workers. Stephanie lives in Dallas with her husband and children.