Debra Sanchez, a public media and education policy leader, leads the Communications, Government Affairs and Safety Leadership & Advocacy teams at NSC. She brings more than 25 years of experience turning research into action and building cross-sector coalitions that drive measurable public impact. She plays a central role in elevating the Council’s national voice, strengthening its external partnerships and advancing policies that save lives.

Sanchez joins NSC from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, where she most recently served as executive vice president, government and external affairs, corporate secretary and chief of staff. At CPB, she led nationally recognized initiatives that leveraged trusted media, research-based content and local partnerships to address critical needs in education, civic engagement and workforce readiness.

Prior to CPB, she served as vice president of government relations for the Association of Public Television Stations, where she advanced education policy initiatives and built broad bipartisan support on Capitol Hill.

Sanchez earned a bachelor of science degree in special education from Indiana University. She received the IU School of Education Distinguished Alumni Award in 2024 for her exceptional contributions to civic service and public leadership.