The Corporation for Public Broadcasting has promoted Kathy Merritt to executive vice president and chief operating officer, while Debra Sanchez becomes executive vice president, government and external affairs and acting corporate secretary.
The changes come as the organization faces unprecedented threats to its funding from the federal government.
President/CEO Patricia Harrison called them “both accomplished professionals with decades of experience in public media who are highly qualified to lead CPB during these challenging times.”
Merritt and Sanchez succeed EVP/COO Michael Levy and Corporate Secretary, SVP and Chief of Staff Teresa Safon. Those two will continue to serve as consultants.
Merritt has been chief of Station and System Strategies. Sanchez has been senior vice president for Educational Media and Learning Experiences.
“Merritt will oversee CPB’s Operations, as well as Radio/Journalism, System Strategies, Next Generation Warning System, Community Service Grants and Television Content departments,” the organization stated in the announcement.
“Sanchez will continue to lead the Education team, as well as oversee Government and External Affairs. She is also taking on the role of acting secretary, overseeing the Office of the Corporate Secretary, serving as liaison between the CPB Board of Directors and staff.”
Also Daryl Mintz has been promoted to executive vice president, CFO and treasurer, and Evan Slavitt has been promoted to executive vice president and general counsel.
CPB’s main purpose is to distribute federal funding to local public radio and TV stations. (Read about the organization’s history.)
[Related: “CPB Says FEMA Is Withholding Emergency Grant Money”]
