CPB Promotes Merritt And Sanchez to Executive VP Positions.

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting has promoted Kathy Merritt to Executive VP and Chief Operating Officer, and Debra Sanchez to Executive VP, Government and External Affairs and Acting Corporate Secretary.

Merritt will oversee CPB’s Operations, as well as its Radio/Journalism, System Strategies, Next Generation Warning System, Community Service Grants, and Television Content departments. Sanchez will continue to lead the Education team and oversee Government and External Affairs, while also taking on the role of Acting Secretary, overseeing the Office of the Corporate Secretary, serving as liaison between CPB’s Board of Directors and staff.

Prior to their promotions, Merritt served as Chief, Station and System Strategies — where she oversaw grants and initiatives that strengthen public stations’ ability to serve their communities — while Sanchez served as CPB’s Senior VP for Educational Media and Learning Experiences, where she developed and oversaw children’s content investments and educational initiatives at the national level.

“Kathy and Deb are both accomplished professionals with decades of experience in public media who are highly qualified to lead CPB during these challenging times,” CPB President and CEO Patricia Harrison says.

Merritt and Sanchez succeed Executive VP and Chief Operating Officer Michael Levy and Corporate Secretary, Senior VP and Chief of Staff Teresa Safon, both of whom will continue to serve CPB as consultants, advising Harrison and the senior leadership team.

“I want to express my deep appreciation to Michael and Teresa for their long and distinguished service to CPB and public media,” Harrison says. “Both will stay on as consultants, as we address threats to our funding.”

In addition to Merritt and Sanchez, Daryl Mintz has been promoted to Executive VP, CFO and Treasurer, and Evan Slavitt to Executive VP and General Counsel.