Debbie Veney is NewSchools’ Director of Communications. She leads communications and public policy and is responsible for managing the organization’s public profile and telling the story of how our investments create impact and transform lives and communities. Debbie brings more than 20 years of experience in strategic communications, advocacy and media relations. She also brings a deep passion for equity in education and a belief in the transformative power of a high-quality education.
Before joining NewSchools Venture Fund, Debbie managed the Government Affairs and Communications function at The Education Trust. She has also held senior communications positions at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, National Alliance for Public Charter Schools and Communities In Schools.
Prior to entering the nonprofit arena, Deborah built a solid career in corporate communications, working with an impressive array of Fortune 500 corporations, including United Healthcare, DuPont and CIGNA Corp.
Debbie serves on the board of directors of the D.C. Jazz Festival, and was the founding board chair of the Philadelphia affiliate of Komen for the Cure. She has also served on the board of directors of Choice (a women’s health organization in Philadelphia), and on Dean’s Advisory Council for the Drexel-Hahnemann School of Public Health. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Howard University, and a master’s degree in mass communications from Temple University.
