Deborah Lafer Scher currently serves as the Executive Advisor to the Secretary, leading the Center for Strategic Partnerships in the US Department of Veteran Affairs. In this role, she leads a team that negotiates and executes partnerships with industry to bring significant external resources and expertise to benefit the VA’s highest priority programs for Veterans. She also provides guidance to the Secretary on public/private partnerships to enhance the organization's strategic mission. Prior to joining the VA, Deborah built successful businesses in multiple healthcare sectors including senior care, academic medical centers, wellness, healthcare information and physician offices, serving as the organization’s chief operating officer (COO), chief strategy officer (CSO), lead acquisitions executive and chief administrative officer (CAO). A quality driven leader, Deborah was selected to serve as a Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Examiner, evaluating US companies for performance excellence. Deborah has an MBA in Finance from Columbia University and a BA in Sociology from Haverford College.