There is speculation about whether DOGE is being led by Elon Musk or acting administrator Amy Gleason, who was featured in an interview on the YouTube channel “What’s the Fix?!” Gleason, a former emergency room nurse turned health care technologist, was deeply concerned back in 2010. At that time, her daughter Morgan was experiencing a range of mysterious symptoms, like rashes and severe muscle weakness that prevented her from climbing stairs. After more than a year of uncertainty, Morgan was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disorder, prompting Gleason to strive for better patient empowerment to avoid similar diagnostic delays for others.
In a TEDx talk in 2020, Gleason shared her vision of streamlining medical data to facilitate quicker diagnoses, drawing from her own challenging experience with her daughter. Despite being a relatively low-profile figure in health care data analysis, Gleason’s career took a significant turn in late February when she was appointed as the acting administrator for the Department of Government Efficiency by the White House, thrusting her into a prominent role within the Trump administration.
While her previous work involved health data projects at the U.S. Digital Service, the White House’s decision to appoint Gleason to lead DOGE, a central unit in the government’s streamlining efforts, raised questions about her actual authority. Confusion surrounded the leadership of DOGE, with some suggesting that Musk, the renowned entrepreneur and government special employee, might wield significant influence over the agency.
Despite the lack of public statements from Gleason following her appointment, and scant details provided by the administration regarding DOGE’s operations and team members, it appears that Musk’s influence continues to loom large. The dynamics between Musk and Gleason remain unclear, with the media and legal inquiries trying to unravel the true power dynamics within DOGE. Gleason’s job responsibilities and the team’s composition have been subjects of speculation and inquiry, with few definitive answers available.
While her colleagues praise Gleason’s intellect and value in any role she undertakes, there are concerns that her involvement in DOGE could inadvertently lead to cuts in programs that hold personal importance to her, such as funding for rare disease research. The lack of transparency surrounding DOGE’s operations and decision-making processes has raised further questions about the agency’s direction and priorities.
Gleason’s daughter, now in her mid-20s, was diagnosed with juvenile dermatomyositis, a rare disease where a child’s immune system attacks its own cells and tissues. Therapies developed through partnerships with the National Institutes of Health have improved the outlook for juvenile myositis, according to James Minow, executive director at the Cure JM Foundation. Concern arises as the Trump administration seeks to reduce NIH grant funding, potentially impacting rare disease research crucial for families like Gleason’s.
Described as apolitical, Gleason worked at the U.S. Digital Service from 2018 to 2021, focusing on enhancing patient access to health records. She later joined the White House Coronavirus Task Force data team. With a background in the private sector at health care management companies and startups, she co-founded a medical technology startup and held leadership roles at various organizations.
Recently, Gleason served as a vice president at Main Street Health and Russell Street Ventures, both founded by entrepreneur Brad Smith, a key DOGE member. Smith reportedly involved Gleason in discussions on cost-cutting initiatives. Colleagues praise her integrity and expect her to communicate candidly within her new role.
Cooke praised Gleason for her lively personality and unwavering work ethic. “I entrusted her with a heavy workload to complete in a short timeframe, and was impressed by her ability to deliver,” he stated. He also noted her compassion towards those she interacted with, showcasing her innate ability to connect with people.
The sudden announcement of Gleason’s appointment as DOGE took many by surprise. A former healthcare IT colleague, who wished to remain anonymous, mentioned the unexpected nature of the appointment, considering Gleason’s history as a dedicated patient advocate. The colleague expressed concerns about the shift from kindness to a role that could impact the livelihood of numerous working parents.
Gleason, a University of Tennessee, Knoxville graduate, is known for her passion for football and playful banter with friends who support teams other than the Tennessee Volunteers. Described as having a great sense of humor and a love for travel by a pediatrician named Alexander, she has long been dedicated to improving medical records and patient care through advancements in technology.
Reflecting on her career journey, Gleason credits her parents for valuable advice. She shared that her dad taught her to view mistakes as learning experiences, while her mom encouraged her to pursue her dreams. Emphasizing the importance of following her passions and embracing new opportunities, Gleason remains focused on personal growth and development in her professional endeavors.
