Isabel Munilla Joins POGO as Interim Executive Director

A Note From POGO’s President and Executive Director, Danielle Brian

For the past 35 years, I have been honored to lead an incredible team dedicated to building a federal government that works for all of us. Today, however, I share that I have taken a step back from my regular duties as POGO’s executive director to seek treatment for an aggressive cancer diagnosis.

While this is not an announcement I ever hoped to make, I am glad to share that Isabel Munilla is stepping into the role of interim executive director. A longtime ally in the fight for government accountability, Isabel has spent nearly the last three decades working on issues of transparency and good governance in both the non-profit sector and as deputy assistant secretary at the U.S. Department of Energy. I am so thankful that she is bringing this wealth of experience to POGO, where she will join an incredible team that has already done essential work to defend our democracy against corruption and abuses of power at the highest levels of government.

I'll remain as president of POGO, continuing in a limited role for the foreseeable future. I am deeply committed to supporting the organization during this time.

At this particular moment in our nation’s history, it is clear that we must fight harder than ever to reclaim our government from authoritarianism. I am fully confident that Isabel’s experience and commitment to this work — alongside a talented and dedicated team of POGO staff — will ensure that POGO remains up to this task.

A Note From POGO’s Interim Executive Director, Isabel Munilla

The American experiment is an ongoing endeavor, continually improved by those who fight for a system that operates honestly and effectively, and is held accountable to the people. For decades, thanks both to Danielle’s leadership and the tireless efforts of its incredible staff, the Project On Government Oversight has aimed to advance this experiment and fortify the foundations of our democracy.

Right now, this work is of the utmost importance. It’s no secret that the systems that ensure our government works for everyday people are under unprecedented attack. Our system of checks and balances is closer than ever to faltering. Public trust in government has dramatically eroded. We’re witnessing a runaway executive attempt to consolidate power and dodge accountability, a Congress that is allowing it to happen, and a judicial system not fully meeting the moment to protect the Constitution. Americans on both sides of the political aisle are demanding an end to systems that, for too long, have prioritized the interests of the powerful and well connected over the public interest. But allowing the abuse of power in the executive branch to go unchecked is not the solution the public deserves — instead, it is destroying the lives and livelihoods of people across the country.

The hardest work lies ahead. But as I step into this new role, I feel hopeful. POGO’s greatest strength has always been its people — a knowledgeable staff and dedicated community of people working to promote a government that is worthy of the public’s trust. As a former federal worker myself, and as someone who has spent her career working to instill transparency, accountability, and effectiveness into public and private institutions, I know that POGO is up to the task. From making sure oil companies paid their fair share of taxes, to spearheading investigations into inhumane practices within the Department of Homeland Security, to defending the rights of servicemembers to refuse illegal orders, POGO focuses on generating real impact on urgent issues.

I am grateful that Danielle and the Board have entrusted me to take on this role at this critical moment. I look forward to working alongside the stellar POGO team to build a democracy that everyone deserves, free from corruption and the abuse of power.