Deidra Penny Email & Phone Number

As the nation’s fourth-largest city, Houston has long been recognized as the energy capital of the world, as well one of the most affordable and diverse U.S. cities.We’re also home to NASA, award-winning restaurants, and the world’s largest medical center—with 26 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in Houston.As the deputy city attorney, acting as a general counsel for the City of Houston, I’m privileged to work with and advise City Council members, executives, boards, and other leaders in advancing Houston as a technology-forward municipal corporation.Together we work to enhance citizen experiences, boost economic growth through efficiency and innovation, and promote a more inclusive society—all while stewarding a $6B+ outcome-based budget.Since joining the City, I’ve helped grow and evolve a 180+ member legal department—advising and supporting the municipal corporation’s 23,000 employees and 20+ departments, while also focusing on corporate governance and data privacy.My tenure spans regulatory, compliance, and advocacy matters that improve the resilience and fiscal sustainability of the City’s infrastructure, technology, and budget, as well as legislation monitoring, authorship of local laws, policy and procedure development, and oversight of civil litigation and procurements.Along the way, I’ve structured new entities and strategic partnerships, and negotiated a host of commercial agreements ranging from telecommunications agreements and HIPAA business associates agreements to professional services, software licensing, and technology agreements.While managing teams, direct reports, and projects, I’ve also prioritized mentoring new leaders—sharing strategies to balance big picture vision with methodical execution, distill legal concepts to be broadly accessible through effective communication, and navigate competing imperatives with diplomacy, equanimity, and teamwork.I began my career at an AmLaw 50 firm helping general counsels at Fortune 100 companies identify and mitigate risk and maximize revenue, while ensuring brand protection. Engagements included multimillion-dollar patent and trademark infringement lawsuits, spanning hospitality, energy, commercial products, medical devices, and software.Outside the office, I serve as a board member of The Women’s Home. I’ve also provided pro bono services through Houston Volunteer Lawyers.INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE: IT, Technology, Energy, Finance, Healthcare, Construction, Consumer Products, and Real Estate. HOUSTON IS HIRING! Visit governmentjobs.com/careers/Houston to learn more.