Washington, D.C. – TechNet, the national, bipartisan network of innovation economy CEOs and senior executives, today announced Jose Torres as Deputy Executive Director for California and the Southwest Region. Based in Sacramento, Torres will play a key role in TechNet’s state advocacy and political activity in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. Torres will report to Dylan Hoffman, TechNet’s Executive Director for California and the Southwest, and will start on November 7.

“California and the Southwest are key regions for tech policy. Jose’s experience will be crucial to our continued success and help us better advocate on the key issues impacting our members,” said David Edmonson, TechNet Senior Vice President for State Policy and Government Relations. “Jose’s background will strengthen our already effective California team, and we’re excited to welcome him to TechNet.”

Torres joins TechNet after serving as a Policy and Legislative Advocate with Health Access California, where he focused on advocating on issues within the California legislature and state administrative departments. Born in Mexico and raised in Southern California, Torres graduated from the University of California, Davis, with a B.A. in Sociology and from the University of the Pacific with a Master of Public Administration.

“Jose’s advocacy experience with the California Legislature will be invaluable to our team. I look forward to working with him to advocate for policies that advance innovation, create jobs, and grow our economy in a critical region for our members,” said Dylan Hoffman, TechNet’s Executive Director for California and the Southwest.

“I’m thrilled to be joining TechNet and their industry-leading state advocacy program. California is home to many TechNet members, and I’m excited to work with them on so many critical policy issues,” said Torres.

TechNet’s 50-state advocacy program is focused on legislative and regulatory advocacy across the country, relationship-building among member companies and policymakers, policy expertise and influence, and local support for federal initiatives.

In addition to the California and Southwest Region, TechNet’s 50-state advocacy program includes:

  • Colorado and the Central U.S. Region which, in addition to Colorado, covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Wyoming. The region is led by Ruthie Barko, who is based in Denver.
  • Illinois and the Midwest Region which, in addition to Illinois, covers Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. The region is led by Tyler Diers, who is based in Chicago.
  • Massachusetts and the Northeast Region which, in addition to Massachusetts, covers Connecticut, Maine, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and New Hampshire. The region is led by Chris Gilrein, who is based in Boston.
  • Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic Region which, in addition to Pennsylvania, covers Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. The region is led by Margaret Durkin, who is based in Harrisburg.
  • Texas and the Southeast Region which, in addition to Texas, covers Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Puerto Rico, and South Carolina. The region is led by Renzo Soto, who is based in Austin.
  • Washington and the Northwest which, in addition to Washington state, covers Alaska, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, and South Dakota. The region is led by Ashley Sutton, who is based in Olympia.