The challenges we face as a community — and as a country — require thoughtful leadership, problem-solving, and a commitment to the public good. Before stepping into this campaign, I dedicated my career to solving complex problems in government, including leading critical technology efforts at the CDC to strengthen disease surveillance and public health response.
This page features news articles and stories about that work, because it reflects the values that guide me: integrity, accountability, and a deep belief in the power of public service. These experiences have shaped how I lead and why I’m running — to ensure smart, effective governance that serves people first. Explore, stay informed, and join the conversation about our community’s future.
Itir is featured in NPR's Planet Money discussing her role in tracking and addressing public health threats through a system designed to swiftly identify sources of contamination. Following the transition of the U.S. Digital Service to the Department of Government Efficiency, Itir resigned due to concerns about the disorganized management and budget cuts impacting vital public health programs. The episode examines the broader consequences of the Trump administration's efforts to reduce federal jobs and enhance government efficiency, drawing comparisons to past initiatives while assessing their potential effects on public services.
Read moreThis article showcases Itir’s efforts in developing essential public health infrastructure and ensuring that government technology effectively meets the needs of the public. Her leadership in modernizing the CDC’s disease surveillance system illustrates her dedication to bolstering critical services—underscoring the fact that when these systems falter, communities bear the brunt of the fallout.
Read moreItir highlights how substantial layoffs of federal employees in public health threaten vital systems necessary for responding to future health crises. She argues that pursuing efficiency through sweeping cuts compromises the government's capacity to innovate and safeguard public health, reinforcing the dangers of prioritizing short-term savings over long-term stability.
Read moreThe article outlines the dangers associated with the Department of Government Efficiency's (DOGE) sweeping reductions to federal tech teams, which jeopardize crucial government improvement projects. Itir points out that this restructuring diminishes public health initiatives and may place vulnerable populations in even more precarious situations due to inadequate resources and support.
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