MEET IRENE

I’m a working mom, nonprofit leader, and community advocate. I believe public service is a privilege—and that our elected officials work for us, the people they serve.

I’m running for the Douglas County Board of Commissioners to restore trust, transparency, and integrity in local government. I love Douglas County for its open spaces and community charm. But our county is growing, and I want to make sure it remains a vibrant, affordable, and safe place where families can thrive. Government works best when leaders listen first, put people before politics, and keep the community’s priorities at the center of every decision. And you can count on me to do that as County Commissioner.

I grew up in Southwest Wyoming, in a community not too different from many of those in Douglas County. It was there that small-town values shaped my understanding of hard work, fairness, and the importance of showing up for your community. My mom taught in public education for 35 years, and my dad was an archeologist who would occasionally take me to dig sites, instilling a deep love for public lands and history. From my parents, I learned early that strong communities are built by people who listen, respect one another, and are not afraid to take action when it matters most. Do no harm. Take no guff.

I’ve spent my career in the nonprofit sector, helping organizations expand opportunity and strengthen their communities. I earned a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of Denver and am committed to civic engagement and volunteerism, including the Parker Cultural and Scientific Commission, Meals on Wheels, Prosperity Denver, and the University of Colorado Cancer Center.

In 2025, I joined forces with other community advocates to lead the effort to defeat the Board of Commissioners’ Home Rule initiative, ensuring voters had transparency, accountability, and a voice in the process. That experience reinforced my belief that local government should always put the public’s interests first and work in earnest with the community.

I am a native of the Rockies and have called Colorado home since 2008. I love my home in Parker, where I’m raising two daughters and two Labrador retrievers, and I recently rescued a cat from Humane Colorado. I’m your neighbor, and I want to be your next County Commissioner.