NSC Taps Debra Sanchez to Strengthen National Safety Advocacy
Sanchez, a longtime public media and policy leader, will oversee the National Safety Council’s communications, government affairs, and advocacy teams as the organization expands its national safety influence.
- By Stasia DeMarco
- Dec 01, 2025
The National Safety Council has appointed Debra Sanchez as its new executive vice president of Advocacy and External Affairs, the organization announced Monday. Sanchez, a public media and education policy leader, brings more than 25 years of experience turning research into action and building coalitions across sectors to advance public-impact initiatives.
In her new role, Sanchez will help elevate the Council’s national advocacy voice, expand external partnerships, and guide policy efforts aimed at saving lives.
“We’re excited to welcome Deb to NSC,” said Nick Smith, president of the National Safety Council. “Her track record leading programs that deliver mission impact—turning research into action that improves lives—aligns perfectly with our approach to safety advocacy. This newly created role positions us to more effectively engage with partners and advance policies that save lives.”
Sanchez will oversee the Council’s Communications, Government Affairs, and Safety Leadership and Advocacy teams. NSC said the role reflects a strategic shift to strengthen how the organization engages externally and advances safety policies nationwide.
She joins NSC from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, where she most recently served as executive vice president of Government and External Affairs, corporate secretary, and chief of staff. During her tenure, she led national initiatives that used public media, research-based programming, and local partnerships to support education, civic engagement, and workforce readiness. She joined CPB in 2009.
Before that, Sanchez served as vice president of Government Relations for the Association of Public Television Stations from 2000 to 2009, where she advanced education policy initiatives and built bipartisan support on Capitol Hill.
Sanchez holds a bachelor’s degree in special education from Indiana University. She received the university’s School of Education Distinguished Alumni Award in 2024 for her contributions to civic service and public leadership.
About the Author
Stasia DeMarco is the Content Editor for OH&S.