About Tina
Democrat, Tina Podlodowski is the daughter of two naturalized U.S. citizens who fled post-WWII Europe as refugees. As a first generation American who has spent her life fighting for equality and driving forward progress, she understands just how important voting and an equitable election system are to a functioning and flourishing democracy.
A Puget Sound Business Journal “Woman of Influence,” Tina’s 30+ years of leadership in technology, government and management has saved taxpayers millions of dollars, improved public safety and health, and revolutionized technology. As Washington Secretary of State, Tina’s crosscutting experience, and commitment to a fair, accessible and equitable voting system, will restore Washington as a leader in democracy.
After a successful career as a software executive at Microsoft, Tina won an at-large seat on the Seattle City Council with 65% of the popular vote. While in office she championed the complete redevelopment and modernization of the City’s financial management system, saving taxpayers millions of dollars. Tina also pioneered in-district council meetings to engage a more diverse group of constituents in the city’s decision making process.
As a senior vice-president at Porter Novelli, Tina led national efforts to improve public health and safety. Her work with stakeholders at all levels of government drove forward progress on environmental justice, women’s health, HIV/AIDS and childhood immunizations. Her clients included the Centers for Disease Control, Office of Environmental and Public Health, the Association of State and Territorial Health Directors, and the National Association of City and County Health Officials.
With respect and compassion for Washington’s most vulnerable and marginalized community members, Tina revitalized two regional non-profit organizations. At Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Puget Sound she grew a nationally recognized mentoring program to one of the 10th largest in nation. For Lifelong AIDS Alliance she increased the reach and scope of prevention and education efforts to over 380,000 Washingtonians.
After the tragic Sandy Hook Elementary shooting, Tina helped form the Washington Alliance for Gun Responsibility, dedicated to keeping all of us and our children safe from gun violence. WAGR successfully enacted sensible gun background check legislation with the passage of I-594 in 2014.
Tina’s strong belief in equality for all guides her work in leadership roles with Washington Citizens for Fairness, the Pride Foundation and The Human Rights Campaign. She is a former member of the Visiting Committee at the Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs at the University of Washington, and was awarded the “Spirit Award” from the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle. Her political and philanthropic work has been profiled in The New York Times, The Washington Post, People, and Vanity Fair.
Tina lives in Seattle with her wife and children.