After departing a prominent federal technology agency earlier this year, Itir Cole didn’t expect her next role would be in local politics. But just four months later, the New Jersey resident found herself elected to a seat on the Haddonfield Borough Commission—winning by a margin of 49 votes.
“I thought I’d take some time off,” Cole, 40, shared in an interview. “Catch up on reading, relax. But after a couple of days, I realized I needed something more meaningful to focus on.”
Her path took a turn when her husband casually mentioned a vacant position in their town’s local government. With no other candidates representing working parents or younger families, Cole decided to run.
“I looked around and realized no one like me was stepping up. And the issues that matter to people like us—like school crowding or affordable housing—weren’t being represented,” she said. “So I thought, why not me?”
Cole’s prior role with the U.S. Digital Service—a team of technologists embedded in federal agencies—gave her a unique perspective. She had been assigned to projects aimed at improving public health systems, including collaborations with the CDC on pandemic response tools.
But her federal tenure came to a sudden end following major shifts in the agency’s structure and leadership. According to Cole, new mandates introduced under the latest administration changed the agency’s culture rapidly.
“I was hired to do nonpartisan civic tech work. Overnight, it turned into something very different,” she recalled. “Suddenly, we were being questioned about our loyalty. The culture shift was stark.”
Cole ultimately chose to resign in February, along with many colleagues. “It was a hard decision, but the direction the agency was heading in didn’t align with why I joined in the first place.”
Returning home to Haddonfield, she soon realized that civic engagement could take a new form—one that was closer to home.
Despite lacking a political background, Cole launched a grassroots campaign in her suburban town of about 12,500 residents. With just a few weeks to gather support, she mobilized friends, local parents, and community members. Her initial base included moms from school pickups and coffee shop acquaintances. Soon, local civic groups and volunteers joined her cause.
“It was intimidating at first,” she admitted. “As an introvert, knocking on doors and introducing myself wasn’t easy. But I kept showing up.”
Her campaign emphasized local issues: expanding youth programs, tackling school overcrowding, and promoting transparency in town planning. The role she won is part-time and pays $6,000 annually—most of which, she says, will go toward related costs.
Although Cole doesn’t foresee a long-term political career, she hopes her win inspires others.
“I’m not planning to run again after this term. I want to show that regular people—parents, workers, neighbors—can step up and lead. Hopefully it encourages others to take a turn.”
Key Takeaways:
- Itir Cole, 40, recently won a seat on the Haddonfield Borough Commission in New Jersey by 49 votes.
- She previously worked with the U.S. Digital Service on public health tech projects.
- Cole resigned from her federal role due to cultural and structural changes in the agency.
- Her local campaign focused on community issues like education, housing, and youth services.
- She hopes her term inspires other everyday citizens to engage in civic leadership.
