Spotlight on ENRLS Stephanie Bergeron Perdue
 Stephanie Bergeron Perdue serves as the Deputy Director of the Office of Legal Services ("OLS") at the TCEQ. She started working at the TCEQ for former Chairman Bob Huston as his Executive Assistant in August 1999. She moved to the Enviromental Law Division in September 2001 as Director of that Division within the OLS. Stephanie next served as Acting Deputy Director of the OLS until May 25, 2006 when she was appointed Deputy Director (the real thing - no longer “acting,” although she says that it sure felt “real” during acting status!). The Office of Legal Services is comprised of three divisions: Environmental Law (with 45 attorneys, including the senior attorneys and director); Litigation (with 34 attorneys, including the senior attorneys and director); and General Law (with 15 attorneys, including the senior attorneys and director). Our spotlight on Stephanie is presented in interview form.
Q: What's the most exciting or dangerous thing you have ever done?
A: Hmm. Certainly not dangerous but somewhat exciting - my husband and I took a seaplane from St. Croix to St. Thomas. It was pretty fun to “land on water.” Also, I went skiing once in the French Alps; my friend told the group I was fine on black slopes which, of course, is not true. That was comical/scary.
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time? What are your hobbies?
A: I enjoy tennis (although I don't get much opportunity to play these days), reading and gardening.
Q: What's your hometown? Where were you born?
A: Houston, Texas. I grew up in the Clear Lake area (grade school) and then the Woodlands (junior high/high school).
Q: Who are your family members, and what are their occupations?
A: My husband is a graphic designer. Our cat (Benecio el Gato aka Benny) is currently unemployed!
Q: Describe your education -- high school, college and law school.
A: I went to McCullough High School in the Woodlands; UT-Austin (Bachelor of Science in communications); and South Texas College of Law.
Q: What civic or non-profit activities are you involved in?
A: Work keeps me pretty busy these days. I previously volunteered for Big Brothers/Big Sisters.
Q: What are your favorite movies and books?
A: I really enjoyed the movie Elizabeth with Cate Blanchett. I also enjoyed reading the biography about Peggy Guggenheim (and her art collection in Venice, which became part of New York’s Guggenheim Museum).
Q: Who has had the most influence on your life?
A: I think my former bosses have had a collective influence. Each former manager/boss brought a certain skill set from which I've been able to learn. And I'm still learning under the current bosses!
Q: Who or what inspired you to enter the legal profession?
A: My co-workers from South Texas College of Law; I worked there before I started law school and then worked full time and went to school part-time. It really made me focus and appreciate my professors and education.
Q: What's your favorite restaurant (other than those in the TCEQ buildings) within 10 miles of the TCEQ office?
A: Hard to say - Asti in Hyde Park is pretty darn good. I also like Ski Shores (more than 10 miles though!). Lambert's is also pretty good.
Q: What's your fondest memory (so far) of your time at the TCEQ (and its predecessor agencies)?
A: Sounds a bit crazy, but I've enjoyed working with the TCEQ lawyers when we have big projects/deadlines. It's rough at first, but then you reach a point where you're getting work done and having fun (albeit a bit delirious). Of course, then you get to talk about the experience for quite some time . . .
One fond memory was when I helped write a “birthday proclamation” for one of my former TCEQ co-workers. We were able to get it read on the Senate Floor, so it's now official state history!
Q: Other than your current job, what was your most interesting job?
A: I did a work exchange program in London after finishing undergrad. The job was not so interesting, but the location was great. I also enjoyed working at the legislature (1/97 to 8/99) - it certainly gives a different perspective on “legislative history” when you've witnessed committee and floor testimony as a bill progresses through the legislative process.
Q: What are your hopes and dreams for the Office of Legal Services?
A: My initial focus is making sure we are meeting client expectations (both quantitative and qualitative). From a big picture perspective, I'd like for OLS employees to enjoy what they do and build on the working relationships we have within OLS and other TCEQ offices. The pressures can be difficult and challenging, but it helps to have a sense of humor and try and keep it all in perspective.
Q: What are the most common mistakes you see in the way that non-agency professionals approach the agency?
A: Sometimes the delivery makes all the difference . . .
Q: What advice would you give to improve the working relationships between agency lawyers and those who practice before the agency?
A: Maintain an open dialogue and an open mind.
Is there an ENRLS member that you would like to see interviewed? Contact Cindy Smiley at Cindy.Smiley@khh.com
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