Ireta Gasner serves as key strategist for Start Early in the area of government relations and systems building for the state of Illinois.

She spent more than 13 years as Start Early’s primary contact with the Illinois General Assembly and the Illinois congressional delegation, and has led legislative efforts to strengthen and grow Illinois’ early childhood programs. Before coming to Start Early, Ireta provided direct services and administered programs for children and families experiencing homelessness for 14 years, including home-based Head Start.

She received her master’s degree in social work from the University of Illinois at Chicago and has been active in state and federal lobbying efforts with the National Association of Social Workers and RESULTS.