Dr. Tyrone Grandison

What are you currently working on?  How did you get involved in this project?

I am leading the Technology team at the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington, where we produce data on the things that cause people to have shortened lifespans thus enabling them to increase the probability of living longer and leading more fulfilling lives.

What are you most excited about in your current role?

I am most excited about the opportunity to work with such a diverse team of technologists and researchers on products that impact policy and lives.

How did your time with the PIF program influence the work you do now?

My time as a PIF re-enforced the belief that I need to be immersed in a mission that I believe in.

Why did you become a PIF?

The opportunity to contribute to the President’s agenda and improve the way that Americans interact with their Federal government was too tempting to pass up!

What surprised you the most about your time in the PIF program?

I was surprised by how passionate everyone else in the program was.

What was the biggest challenge you faced as a PIF?

Building trusted relationships with the career staff in Federal agencies. Initially, most start out apprehensive and skeptical. After investing time in working together to produce results that make their jobs better, the level of trust grew to the point where they recognized that my intent was to help make progress. 

Who influenced you the most as a PIF?  Or who served as a mentor or guide to you?

I took a lot of inspiration from the other PIFs in my cohort. Their support, advice, and journey helped shape mine and helped me to keep on going. There were too many mentors and guides to mention! It takes a village...

What were the key sources of support you encountered as a PIF?

Cover from the PIF program and Team CTO in the White House were invaluable. Key career employees who understood the intricacies of getting initiatives launched in the Federal government were also pivotal parts of my support network.

Is there anything you would have done differently while you were a PIF?

I would have gotten information on the socio-political landscape of my home agency sooner rather than later.

What was your biggest success as a PIF?

Becoming friends with amazing mission-driven impact junkies.

What do you want other people to know about the PIF program?

The program is an amazing opportunity to help impact the lives of all Americans. We should all serve if we can.

What do you think will change in the PIF program and/or the government in the next 5 years?  What do you want to see happen?

The program will evolve to more acutely address the needs of the people and the then-state of the Federal government. I would like to see the PIF program be recognized as a non-partisan source of innovation and execution.  

What advice do you have for other people who want to affect change in the world?

There are many ways to affect change. If you don’t want to be a PIF, then find your tribe that is working in the area that you are passionate about and do great things with them.

What's next for you?  What are you looking forward to?

I will continue to engage in opportunities in order to positively impact people across the world. I am looking forward to hearing about the amazing things that present and future PIFs are doing.