Debra M. Borrero
Director of Legislative & Strategic Affairs
As CREC's Director of Legislative & Strategic Affairs, Debra Borrero steers CREC’s long-range vision and legislative agenda, crafting and executing a government relations strategy that positions both CREC and the Regional Education Service Center (RESC) Alliance as influential champions for Connecticut’s PK -12 students and school districts. By aligning legislative priorities with tangible educational needs, she secures policy victories that deliver measurable improvements statewide. Internally, she synchronizes CREC’s strategic initiatives, streamlining agency wide processes and driving a culture of collaboration and high performance across CREC divisions.
Previously, as Director of School Choice, Debra accelerated enrollment growth in CREC Magnet Schools and broadened the Hartford Region Open Choice Program—advancing compliance with Sheff v. O’Neill and expanding access to integrated, high quality learning opportunities. Her advocacy produced pivotal policy and program reforms that empowered families seeking diverse educational environments.
A former community organizer in Brooklyn, NY, Debra also spearheaded community partnership initiatives at Trinity College before serving as Deputy Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs under Governor M. Jodi Rell.
A committed civic leader, she currently serves on the Betty Knox Foundation and iQuilt Partnership boards. She earned an M.A. in Public Policy from Trinity College, a B.A. from SUNY New Paltz and a Diversity & Inclusion Essentials certificate from Central CT State University. She also completed both The Campaign School at Yale University and the Education Policy Fellowship Program from the Institute of Educational Leadership.
Phone: (860) 524-4033 E-mail: dborrero@crec.org
