Washington, D.C. — TechNet, the national, bipartisan network of tech CEOs and senior executives, today announced the appointment of Jennifer Harris as Executive Director for Texas and the South. Based in Texas, Harris will lead TechNet’s state policy engagement across Texas, New Mexico, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Puerto Rico, advancing policies that promote innovation, strengthen economic growth, and support U.S. technology leadership.
“Jennifer’s experience in government affairs, legislative strategy, and stakeholder engagement will be an enormous asset as TechNet continues to expand its impact across Texas and the South,” said David Edmonson, TechNet’s Senior Vice President for State Policy and Government Relations. “She brings a rare combination of federal, state, and legislative expertise at a critical moment for connectivity, innovation, and economic growth.”
Harris brings more than two decades of experience in public policy, government affairs, and economic development across Texas, Florida, and Louisiana. Prior to joining TechNet, she served as Federal Program Officer for Texas and Louisiana at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), where she oversaw the implementation of more than $4.6 billion in federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program funding.
“I’m honored to join TechNet and to work alongside its members to advance policies that foster innovation and strengthen economic opportunity across Texas and the South,” said Harris. “Technology plays a critical role in connecting communities and driving growth, and I’m excited to help ensure the region continues to lead.”
Earlier in her career, Harris held multiple roles in the Texas House of Representatives, serving as Chief of Staff, Legislative Director, Communications Director, and District Director. She has also worked as a higher education policy analyst for the Florida Department of Education and as a lobbyist before the Texas Legislature. In addition, she served as State Program Director at Connected Nation Texas, where she led statewide efforts to close the digital divide by expanding broadband access and advancing digital opportunity initiatives.
A native of Denton, Texas, Harris is a fourth-generation graduate of Denton High School and an alumna of The University of Texas at Austin’s McCombs School of Business and Texas A&M University’s Bush School of Government and Public Service.