Deborah Koehler co-founded the Small Difference Foundation in 2022 with her husband, Edward Koehler, to expand their philanthropic initiatives and inspire young people to make positive impacts in their communities.

Her work is deeply influenced by her mentor and former employer, the late Raymond Plank, philanthropist and founder of Apache Corporation, whose belief in personal initiative and small acts of service continues to guide the foundation’s mission.

Beginning in 2018, Deborah initiated and implemented major grants for arts organizations and educational institutions across the country. She established endowed annual scholarships at the Schools of Art, Music, and Theater at Yale University, the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University, the Creative Writing Program at the University of Houston, the Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship at the Bauer School of Business, and the Houston Ballet Academy, among others. She also funded the Lauren Anderson Dance Studio at the Koehler Performing Arts Pavilion at Ucross, where she serves on the board of directors.

Prior to joining Raymond at Apache Corporation and before her philanthropic work, Deborah built a successful 20-year career in healthcare management in the Houston area. She enjoys travel and spending time with her family.