Debra Coffey is Vice President, Government Affairs for Smart Start and a member of the Coalition of Ignition Interlock Manufacturers board. Ms. Coffey is responsible for driving Smart Start’s government and special interest initiatives, as well as focus on the company’s legislative efforts in state government and Congress. Additionally, she is responsible for maintaining the lines of communication between Smart Start and Judicial, Court related, DMV authorities and Public Safety advocates. She keeps these audiences informed about the application and benefits of Smart Start’s ignition interlock program, helping to assure its successful adoption. Coffey is often a presenter across the U.S. on Ignition interlock topics and is considered a knowledgeable speaker and credible representative in the field of Ignition interlocks.

Ms. Coffey has provided resource testimony across the U.S. before House and Senate committees concerning model interlock legislation, functionality of the interlock device and her vast experience of state interlock programs. Ms. Coffey joined Smart Start in 1998, bringing 20 years of Texas court management experience. Ms. Coffey earned her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. She lives in Ft. Worth, Texas, is married to Retired Criminal Court Judge, Daryl Coffey, they have two adult children, a new grandson, cows, dogs, and cats.