Kelly’s Appointment Marks Latest Expansion for TechNet’s Highly Successful 50-State Advocacy Program

Washington, D.C. – TechNet, the national, bipartisan network of innovation economy CEOs and senior executives, today announced Katie Kelly as Executive Director for Florida and the Southeast Region. Kelly will oversee TechNet’s state advocacy in the Southeast which, in addition to Florida, includes Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

“TechNet has the most effective state advocacy program in the country,” said TechNet President and CEO, Linda Moore. “With state legislatures poised for more action in 2025 than ever before, Katie’s extensive government experience and strong relationships will help us continue to deliver outstanding results for our members. We are thrilled to have her join the team.”

Kelly joins TechNet from the law firm of Manson Bolves Donaldson Tanner, where she was a Government Affairs Specialist. With nearly 20 years of experience in Florida politics, she has counseled members of the state House and Senate on a wide range of policy issues including economic development, electric generation and transmission, environmental regulation, healthcare, and technology.

Kelly’s state government experience also includes roles as deputy legislative affairs director and deputy chief of staff for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. In addition, Kelly worked as a local, state, and federal government liaison at three of Florida’s five water management districts.

Kelly is a graduate of Florida State University and will be based in Tallahassee. Kelly’s first day at TechNet is December 2.

“The addition of a Florida-based region continues TechNet’s commitment to fielding the strongest 50-state advocacy program in the country, and it strategically positions us to advance legislative solutions throughout the Southeast that prioritize American innovation,” said David Edmonson, TechNet’s Senior Vice President of State Policy and Government Relations. “We’re so excited to have Katie join our team.”

“TechNet’s record of success on state policy speaks for itself,” said Kelly. “They understand regional legislative nuances better than any advocacy organization, and I am excited to join this talented team.”

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

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

  • ‍California and the Southwest Region which, in addition to California, covers Arizona, Hawaii, and Nevada. The region is led by Dylan Hoffman and Jose Torres, who are based in Sacramento.
  • Colorado and the Central U.S. Region which, in addition to Colorado, covers Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Utah, 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, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, 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 Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. 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 South Region which, in addition to Texas, covers Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Puerto Rico. 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 Rose Feliciano, who is based in Olympia.