Skip to main content

Debra Coaxum Joins NORC at the University of Chicago as Vice President of Economics, Justice, and Society


CHICAGO, Dec. 9, 2020 — Debra Coaxum has been named the vice president of the Economics, Justice, and Society (EJS) department at NORC at the University of Chicago.

With extensive experience in survey operations and statistical analysis, Coaxum brings her leadership skills and strategic mindset to the EJS group, providing management experience, technical expertise, and a broad and diverse perspective.

“Debra brings a wealth of knowledge in her field, and we are honored to have her join our team,” said Lisa Blumerman, senior vice president of EJS. “As we continue to expand the subject areas we cover, having an expert with such robust knowledge and experience in survey operations will be invaluable to NORC.”

Prior to joining NORC, Coaxum was the director of the office of Survey Operations at the Energy Information Administration. She oversaw the strategic centralization of survey operations across multiple energy surveys, leading the design, development, and implementation of the standard business process to centralize collection and processing. Previously, Coaxum worked at the Census Bureau for nearly 15 years leading statistical projects to enhance the usefulness, timeliness, and quality of the Foreign Trade Statistics Program.

“NORC’s value on excellence and impact while maintaining objectivity is crucial as our world continues to make data-driven decisions,” said Coaxum. “I look forward to collaborating with colleagues across NORC to support our ongoing effort of providing insights to move the needle across policies and programs.”

Coaxum has a master’s of business administration from George Washington University, a master’s of science in mathematics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and a bachelor’s of science in mathematics from Morris Brown College.

“NORC’s value on excellence and impact while maintaining objectivity is crucial as our world continues to make data-driven decisions.”

Debra Coaxum

Vice President

“NORC’s value on excellence and impact while maintaining objectivity is crucial as our world continues to make data-driven decisions.”

About NORC at the University of Chicago

NORC at the University of Chicago conducts research and analysis that decision-makers trust. As a nonpartisan research organization and a pioneer in measuring and understanding the world, we have studied almost every aspect of the human experience and every major news event for more than eight decades. Today, we partner with government, corporate, and nonprofit clients around the world to provide the objectivity and expertise necessary to inform the critical decisions facing society.

www.norc.org

Contact: For more information, please contact Eric Young at NORC at young-eric@norc.org or (703) 217-6814 (cell).


DEPARTMENTS AND CENTERS