Debra Maffett

Debra Maffett
Born	November 9, 1956
Education	University of Houston, Sam Houston State University, Graduate of Lamar University
Occupation	Television personality, producer, media consultant, speaker, songwriter, singer
Home town	Nashville, Tennessee
Title	Miss California 1982 Miss America 1983
Predecessor	Elizabeth Ward
Successor	Vanessa L. Williams
Board member of	Life of Victory International Christian Ministries, Honorary Council Members - SAT-7
Religion	Christian
Spouse(s)	Buster Wilson deceased
Children	Rydder Wilson, Jenny Wilson
Awards	Emmy Nomination Best Host

Debra Sue Maffett (born November 9, 1956) was Miss America 1983. Although she competed in the Miss Texas pageant several years without winning, she moved to California and was subsequently crowned Miss California 1982.^[1] She represented California when she won the Miss America crown. Debbie graduated from S.P. Waltrip High School in Houston, Texas, in 1975.^[2]Graduate of Lamar University 1980

Maffett, from Midway, Texas, has served as host on, "PM Magazine," NBC and CBS TV Pilots "Guinness Book of World Records with David Frost," "Alive and Well," "TNN Country News," Hot, Hip and Country, "Making Healthy Choices," and " The Harvest Show." Debra is currently producing documentaries and issue oriented television shows for national syndication. Maffett appeared in the episode of "Matlock" that aired December 1, 1987 entitled The Network as News Anchor Terry McNeil.

Debra Maffett is an Emmy-nominated broadcast veteran who has hosted, written, and produced thousands of hours of network, cable, and syndicated programs. From David Letterman to a regular on Hollywood Squares, from The Tonight Show to Good Morning America, after being crowned Miss America 1983 Debra had the unique opportunity of being interviewed and/or guest hosting on national shows and news outlets from coast to coast. A stint co-hosting the Rose Parade Telecast with Mary Hart led to a three-year commitment co-hosting a nightly news magazine show for Fox Television in Los Angeles. While living in California Debra made special guest star appearances on NBC specials, television pilots, and was a field reporter for the internationally syndicated Guinness Book Of World Records with David Frost, and Alive and Well, a national daily health and fitness show that aired on the USA Network. Debra was also booked around the country as a motivational speaker and opened for Bob Hope, Bobby Vinton, and Yakov Smirnoff.

Debra's creative abilities in television landed her in Nashville Tennessee, where she enjoyed a high-profile career in the country music arena. One of the family friendly national programs she created was a country music show called Hot Hip & Country. In partnership with Gaylord Entertainment, Debra produced over 150 half-hour original episodes. While delivering Hot Hip & Country into national syndication, Debra simultaneously hosted TNN Country News, a national daily news-magazine show.

Debra's love for television production, songwriting, and old inspirational books put her on a pathway to a deeper encounter with Christ. With a new-found faith, she transitioned from Country music and secular television to Christian music and inspirational programming. Debra's new direction also brought speaking and singing engagements for Christian women's conferences, inspirational Television pilots, and from 1999 - 2009, a ten-year stint co-hosting The Harvest Show, an inspirational hour-long daily television program that aired around the world on the LeSea Broadcasting Network.

Debra resides in Nashville TN, and is producing inspirational television shows and documentaries. Her recent productions include, Last Hope - The Amazing Story of the House of Hope, with Candace Cameron Bure, The Music That Matters Most, with Crystal Gale, and In Your Corner TV, airing on Direct TV and Day Star Television.

In addition to television production, Debra writes worship music, and is a media consultant for non-profit ministries. Some organizations and ministers she has worked with include: Ruth Graham, Veterans Restoration Ministry, Music to His Ears, The National Praise and Worship Institute, Living Stones International, and Life of Victory International Christian Ministries.

References

1. "Miss California History". Miss California. Retrieved August 21, 2014.
2. IMDB Biography of Debra Sue Maffett