Deborah Kerr

Member of: 
Broward Cultural Council
Cultural Foundation of Broward, BCC Liaison
Public Relations Committee, Vice Chair
 

Pennsylvania native Deborah (Bolster) Kerr spent her childhood in Whitehall Township in the historic Lehigh County, near Allentown before moving to Fort Lauderdale in 1977. Married to Leigh R. Kerr, president of Leigh Robinson Kerr and Associates, Inc., a South Florida land planning and consulting firm, they enjoy the benefits of living in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Daughter, Nicole Bolster, is pursuing her professional career in Los Angeles, CA.

Appointed in 2008 by Commissioner John E. Rodstrom Jr. to the Broward Cultural Council where she serves as vice-chairman of the Public Relations Committee. Deborah is a member of several cultural organizations including
Funding Arts Broward- FAB!, Bonnet House Alliance, Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art and is a sustaining member of the Junior League. She has served on the boards of the Junior League of Greater Fort Lauderdale, Inc, Cities In Schools, Inc., HANDY, Inc., the YMCA of Broward County, and Fort Lauderdale Childrens' Theatre and served 2 terms as chairman and president of the Broward County Film Society which annual presents the Fort Lauderdale Film Festival. Deborah is a member of The Review Club established in 1927.

Mrs. Kerr's professional background was in banking and transitioned in 1990 into the not-for-profit arena as the founding executive director and president of Cities In Schools of Broward County, Inc. (Currently known as Communities In Schools). In 1991,
South Florida Business Journal named Deborah as a finalist in the non-profit category of its PRICE WATERHOUSE/ UP & COMERS AWARD. She assisted in developing a school based educational program for the Gold Coast Jazz Society and was involved with development and fund-raising for several non-profits. In November 2007, Deborah was honored by the March of Dimes as one of its WOMEN OF DISTINCTION and serves on its Honorary Committee.

During the past 30 years, Deborah has been an advocate for the arts, education and issues affecting children through many community projects and initiatives. Deborah is a self-taught artist and continues her studies through workshops and collaborations with artists locally and when she travels.