Founder and Principal of Nature’s Circle/Mayor Pro Tempore of the City of Aurora, Texas
Deborah A. Terrell has been recognized by the International Association of Who’s Who as one of ‘America’s Most Influential Agriculture Experts’.
With over 40 years of experience specializing in agriculture and a passion for community service, Deborah Terrell exemplifies leadership and innovation. From fighting corruption as a public servant in Aurora, Texas, to founding an award-winning farm, Ms. Terrell has made a meaningful impact both locally and in the agricultural sector.
Ms. Terrell began her agricultural career immediately after earning a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics from West Virginia University in 1979. She took on roles as a beef herdsman on the Moyer Farm in Pennsylvania and as a commodity grader for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Her work continued to span decades in various roles, including production supervisor at Gold Kist Inc., parts manager at Campbell Soup Company, and sales production coordinator at Zacky Farms.
From 1988 to 1990, she served as a sales distribution and transportation manager at Roxford Foods/PTS Transportation in Fresno, California. These years provided a strong foundation in logistics and supply chain management, which became a hallmark of her career. After relocating to Texas, she further honed her expertise as a module leader at AmeriCold Logistics LLC and later as a logistics coach and area manager at JCPenney, a role she excelled in for over a decade.
Her entrepreneurial spirit was fully realized when she launched Luv A Luffa and Chatty’s Gourmet Dog Treats, showcasing her ability to combine creativity and farming. These ventures eventually became part of Nature’s Circle, her current agricultural business.
Since 2017, Ms. Terrell has been the founder and principal of Nature’s Circle, an innovative and certified Bee Friendly Farm. Situated in Aurora, Texas, the farm offers unique agricultural products such as pollinator-friendly plants, dog treats, luffa products, and farm art. With a mission to educate others, she has focused on developing plants capable of surviving extreme temperatures while providing wellness benefits for humans, pets, and livestock.
Through Nature’s Circle, Ms. Terrell supports aspiring entrepreneurs by helping them develop farm-based products, connecting with clients via farmers’ markets and farm tours. Her efforts have cemented Nature’s Circle as a model for sustainable, high-quality farming operations.
Ms. Terrell’s entry in politics, turned political career, was sparked by an illegal sand pit operation discovered behind her farm. The land was not zoned for sand digging, and when she took the issue to the city council, she was met with inaction and budget constraints. Unwilling to accept defeat, Ms. Terrell began questioning the allocation of city funds and unearthed widespread corruption.
Determined to effect change from within, she secured election to the city council, only to discover that no official meetings had been held for two years. Collaborating with a Texas Ranger, Ms. Terrell led efforts to stop a corrupt city administrator who misappropriated over $1 million during a multi-year period. Her relentless pursuit of justice culminated in her election as Mayor Pro Tem of Aurora in 2019—a role she continues to serve with unmatched dedication.
Ms. Terrell’s leadership extends beyond agriculture and politics. From 2019 to 2021, she served as a board member for the Promise of Peace Community Gardens in Dallas, Texas, promoting sustainable gardening practices. Additionally, she has been an ambassador for Subaru since 2016 and a member of the Pollinator Partnership since 2018, furthering her commitment to environmental stewardship.
Her philanthropic endeavors include donating to Crime Watchers, organizing food and toy drives, and assisting senior citizens. These initiatives not only reflect her caring nature but also her commitment to uplifting her community.
Ms. Terrell is currently working on publishing two books that reflect her wealth of knowledge in agriculture and public service. She also strives to contribute to the continued improvement of Aurora, helping its citizens heal and rebuild after years of corruption and neglect.
When she isn’t pursuing professional goals, Ms. Terrell enjoys gardening and spending time with her beloved dogs. Her role models include business mogul Oprah Winfrey, whose career continues to inspire her perseverance and drive.
From her early days as a beef herdsman to her efforts to root out corruption in local government, Deborah A. Terrell’s career is a testament to determination, leadership, and service. Through her agricultural expertise and passion for community improvement, she continues to leave an indelible mark on every endeavor she undertakes.