Debra Jasper, the Director of the Kiplinger Program in Public Affairs Journalism, is an award-winning journalist with more than 18 years of experience in public affairs reporting.

She has investigated corruption and child abuse in the ntional foster care system, the abuse and neglect of Ohio's mentally retarded and mentally ill, the lack of care for medically fragile children, workplace violence and government corruption and misspending.

Her investigative and public affairs projects and stories have spurred major reforms, earned state and national recognition and captured more than 40 journalism awards.

Ms. Jasper, a southern Kentucky native, is the former Statehouse Bureau Chief for The Cincinnati Enquirer, where she produced numerous investigative projects and directed coverage of national and state political campaigns, the governor, legislature and government agencies. She also spent eight years at the Dayton Daily News producing in-depth projects and covering urban affairs, City Hall, the Ohio Statehouse and political campaigns.

Ms. Jasper earned her B.A. in journalism from Eastern Kentucky University, in 1986 and her MA in journalism at The Ohio State University in 1990. She also worked as editor of The Grant County News before covering City Hall, education and public affairs for the Tribune Chronicle in Warren, OH.