Debbie Stephens

Deborah Stephens is the Deputy Chief Information Officer (DCIO) for the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). In this role, she is the principal advisor to the Chief Information Officer (CIO) and is responsible for managing day-to-day OCIO operations, and has significant oversight on IT stabilization and modernization efforts. Ms. Stephens guides continual improvements in IT delivery at the USPTO for maximum value to all stakeholders.

Ms. Stephens has served the USPTO for over 25 years in multiple leadership roles. Prior to joining the CIO, she was the Associate Commissioner for the Office of Patent Information Management (OPIM) and provided strategic direction and administration on matters related to the improvement and enhancement of electronic end-to-end processing of patent applications. While in this role, Ms. Stephens worked collaboratively with the CIO as well as other executive stakeholders across the USPTO to increase and improve the automated tools and informational resources that facilitate patent examination, the technical processing of patent applications, and automation training for Patents employees.

Ms. Stephens received a Bachelor of Arts degree from George Mason University and a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from The George Washington University.