Debra Wexler

About Debra Wexler

I am a strategic communications expert with deep experience in the education, philanthropic, public and non-profit sectors. I am a creative thinker with a gift for distilling complex information into compelling stories that win converts and inspire action.

Experience

1. Senior Director, Media & External Relations

   KIPP Foundation

   Dec 2023 — Present · New York, NY, US

   Serve as spokesperson for KIPP Foundation, strategically promoting and protecting KIPP\'s brand through earned media, conference appearances, and speaking engagements. Lead policy and advocacy communications.• Achieved significant national media placements including The Washington Post, CNBC, Education Week, PBS NewsHour, MarketWatch, The Wall Street Journal, and multiple stories in The New York Times, one of which was a front-page, above-the-fold New York Times story that influenced federal policy and cultivated a major donor prospect.• Elevate leadership voices and perspectives through opinion essays and conference appearances, including op-eds in US News & World Report and The 74, as well as speaking roles for our CEO at the Aspen Institute, the Milken Global Conference and a plenary keynote appearance at the 2024 Education Writers Association conference. • In partnership with regional colleagues, create and implement local earned media strategy aligned with national priorities. Exceeded goals for high-profile local placements including NOLA.com, Baltimore Banner, WSB-TV Atlanta, and a front-page Tennessean story, among many others. • Led federal policy working group preparing resources and rapid response guidance amid a fast-moving policy landscape. • Oversee crisis management strategy, planning proactively and counseling regions to mitigate or avoid negative coverage.

Education

• New York University

  MA, M.Phil., American Studies

• Oberlin College

  BA, History, English

Skills

• Event Planning
• Policy Analysis
• Speech Writing
• Museums
• Online Communications
• Testimony
• Education
• Leadership
• Grant Writing
• Facebook
• Proposal Writing
• Social Media
• Content Marketing
• Fundraising
• Community Engagement
• Marketing Strategy
• Op-Eds
• Public Relations
• Media Relations
• Digital Marketing
• External Affairs
• Editorial
• Recruitment Marketing
• Reputation Management
• Editing
• Crisis Communications
• Program Development
• Press Releases
• Arts Administration
• Corporate Communications
• Public Speaking
• Marketing
• Copy Editing
• Brand Strategy
• Strategic Planning
• Higher Education
• Public Policy
• Organizational Leadership
• Alumni Relations
• Executive Communications