ArDeanna Seabron-Hicks’ professional experience is a culmination of 20 years of public service. ArDeanna began her career with the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office as a Victim Advocate/Paralegal. Through daily interactions with victims of violence, ArDeanna gained the understanding that her talents and skills would be best utilized in serving the San Antonio community. After 10 years of combined service with the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office and the Domestic Relations Office, ArDeanna joined the CPS Energy team to implement the company’s Ethics program. During her tenure at CPS Energy, ArDeanna has held leadership roles in Ethics, Energy Delivery & Administration, Customer Service, and Talent Development.
A product of the San Antonio Independent School District, ArDeanna holds a pair of Bachelor of Arts degrees in Communications and Sociology from Texas A&M University at Kingsville, a Master of Arts degree in Communication Studies from St. Mary’s University, and is a doctoral candidate in Leadership Studies at Our Lady of the Lake University.
ArDeanna has served on a variety of NFBPA National Board committees in the past, and served as the Immediate Past President of the NFBPA San Antonio Chapter, President of the San Antonio Chapter, and as the First Vice-President of the NFBPA San Antonio Chapter. ArDeanna is also a former Vice-President of the Alamo Chapter of the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE).
ArDeanna is the mother of two lovely children, Sydney (15) and Marshall (10).
How did you become interested in being a public servant?My first professional position with the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office exposed me to public service. It confirmed for me that my talents and resources were best used serving my community.
How has being an ELI graduate/or Mentor Program helped further your career?My ElI and Mentor Program experience impacted me both professionally and personally. The curriculum exposed me to various aspects of Public Service that I may not have ever been able to explore in my professional career. The relationships formed during my journey gave me a professional network that I still rely on today.
What does a typical day look like for you?My days consist of meetings, emails, meetings, emails, and a few more meetings. It’s a demanding job but I would not have it any other way
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the Public Administration profession?
Our biggest challenge is balancing the demand to provide more services with less resources. You must be strategic, creative, and efficient while providing quality services in a transparent manner.
What are you looking forward to most in the next 5 to 10 years?Personally, seeing my children graduate from high school and began their college careers.
Professionally, continuing to develop and grow as a leader.
What is the most rewarding thing about your work?Knowing that the resources we provide our employees enable them to perform their jobs in a safe and proficient manner.
What do you do when you're not working?My children, Sydney (15) and Marshall (10), are both athletes and academic scholars. Much of my “free time” is spent attending volleyball, basketball, and other various academic competitions. I am also very active in my church.
What's your favorite tip for someone in the industry?1. Lead with integrity. 2. Serve humbly. 3. Relationships matter!
Anything else you'd like us to know?I love the San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Cowboys, Texas A&M Aggies, and the Texas A&M Kingsville Javelinas. I would describe myself as being a “SUPER” fan!