Dr. Debra Joy Pérez is the Chief Equity Officer (CEqO) and Senior Advisor to the CEO at USP, where she leads efforts to integrate equity, inclusion, and evidence-based decision-making into the organization’s global operations. Since launching USP’s Equity Office in 2021, she has spearheaded strategic initiatives that embed fairness, inclusion and equity into USP’s culture, workforce policies, and leadership development efforts, ensuring that equity remains a core driver of organizational excellence.
With an extensive background in program evaluation, data-driven strategy, and organizational performance, Dr. Pérez has played a pivotal role in ensuring USP’s global health standards reflect the highest levels of scientific rigor and inclusivity. She is responsible for aligning USP’s equity strategy with business and operational goals, leveraging metrics, analytics, and performance accountability frameworks to drive measurable outcomes.
Dr. Pérez has a proven track record of developing and implementing equitable hiring, leadership development, and performance measurement systems that drive results. She has worked extensively with internal and external stakeholders to turn evidence-based DEIB strategies into operational success, ensuring USP continues to attract and retain top-tier talent in the scientific and regulatory fields.
Dr. Pérez’s leadership position USP at the forefront of equity-driven, evidence-based excellence, ensuring that the organization remains a trusted leader in scientific standards, global health impact, and regulatory innovation. At USP, Dr. Pérez continues to advance the Equity Equals Excellence framework, ensuring that:
- Data-driven decision-making strengthens USP’s workforce and operational strategies.
- Evidence-based DEIB approaches support innovation and scientific integrity.
- Equitable leadership development fosters an inclusive and high-performing global team.
Career Highlights:
- Gordon Betty Moore Foundation – Chief Measurement & Monitoring Officer
- Established the foundation’s first measurement, evaluation, and learning unit, integrating continuous improvement processes within program design and adaptive management.
- Annie E. Casey Foundation – Vice President, Research, Evaluation, and Learning
- Developed an Accountability Framework, co-creating 300+ performance measures for 33 funding portfolios, ensuring alignment between investment strategies and measurable impact.
- Robert Wood Johnson Foundation- Interim Vice President, Research and Evaluation
- Led multiple national program evaluations, expanded leadership development through New Connections and established network of Public Health Systems Research funding.
Education:
- Harvard University, Ph.D., Health Policy
- City University New York, M.P.A., Public Administration
- University of Kent, Canterbury, England - M.S.S., Women’s Studies
- Rutgers University, B.A., Communication
Awards & Recognition (selected highlights):
- National Science Foundation –Education & Human Resources Scientific Advisory Committee
- Thomas Jefferson University – Honorary Doctorate & Commencement Speaker
- W.K. Kellogg Fellowship in Health Policy Research, Harvard University
