Debra Cabral
2026 ALI Fellow

Debra Cabral brings to ALI more than four decades of experience at the nexus of politics, public affairs, and strategic communications. As president and CEO of Story Partners, she has led high-stakes advocacy and reputation campaigns for major corporations and mission-driven nonprofits across sectors ranging from healthcare and technology to energy and agriculture. Debra’s deep expertise in navigating Washington’s complex legislative and regulatory landscape stems from a career that began on Capitol Hill, where she served nearly a decade as special assistant to House Speaker Thomas P. “Tip” O’Neill, Jr., including work on the Iran Contra Committee.

Before leading Story Partners, Debra held senior leadership roles at Dittus Communications and FTI Consulting, where she guided communications strategy during a period of rapid growth and acquisition. Her nonprofit clients have included the Pew Charitable Trusts, Save the Children, and the ACLU.