Debra L. Lee, Esq. (born August 8, 1954) is an American businesswoman. She is currently the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BET, the parent company for Black Entertainment Television. Lee has sat on the board of directors for a number of companies/organizations, including the National Cable & Telecommunications Association the Ad Council, and the National Cable Television Association. Debra Lee is named one of the "100 Most Powerful Women in Entertainment" by The Hollywood Reporter due to her many achievements in her 30-plus year career at BET.