CPB Announces Leadership Changes Amid Funding Challenges
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, April 11, 2025 | 3:04pm CT |
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 Kathy Merritt and Debra Sanchez |
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) has announced changes to its leadership team, promoting Kathy Merritt to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, and Debra Sanchez to Executive Vice President, Government and External Affairs and Acting Corporate Secretary.
In her new role, Merritt will manage CPB's Operations, Radio/Journalism, System Strategies, Next Generation Warning System, Community Service Grants, and Television Content departments. Merritt's promotion follows her tenure as Chief of Station and System Strategies, where she led initiatives aimed at enhancing public media stations' community service and improving overall system efficiency.
Sanchez, previously CPB's Senior Vice President for Educational Media and Learning Experiences, will continue to lead the Education team while also taking charge of Government and External Affairs. Additionally, she will serve as Acting Secretary, facilitating communication between the CPB Board of Directors and staff.
CPB President and CEO Patricia Harrison commented on the appointments, stating, "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."
The leadership reshuffle comes as the organization prepares to tackle potential funding threats. Merritt and Sanchez are succeeding Michael Levy and Teresa Safon, who previously held senior leadership roles and will now continue as consultants. "I want to express my deep appreciation to Michael and Teresa for their long and distinguished service to CPB and public media," Harrison said. "Both will stay on as consultants as we address threats to our funding."
The announcement also includes the promotions of Daryl Mintz to Executive Vice President, CFO and Treasurer, and Evan Slavitt to Executive Vice President and General Counsel, further bolstering CPB's executive team during a pivotal period for the broadcaster.
