Washington, D.C. – TechNet, the national, bipartisan network of innovation economy CEOs and senior executives, today announced David Edmonson has been promoted to Senior Vice President for State Policy and Government Relations. Edmonson will continue to oversee TechNet’s 50-state advocacy program.

“Under David’s leadership, TechNet’s 50-state advocacy program has grown to be unparalleled in size, expertise, and efficacy. He deserves tremendous credit for skillfully guiding our organization through a complex and active state regulatory landscape. David joined TechNet almost five years ago and his growth and success within our organization shows he’s a trusted voice among our members and with lawmakers in state capitols across the country. I want to congratulate David on this well-deserved promotion,” said TechNet President and CEO Linda Moore.

David leads TechNet’s 50-state advocacy program, which 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. Among the key issues David and his team focused on this year are state privacy laws, the rise of artificial intelligence, children’s online safety, digital repair, and autonomous vehicles. David also leads a cross-industry coalition that advocates on digital repair and a coalition that advocates for policies that help small businesses grow online.

“I am so proud of the work our team does every day to educate and inform lawmakers and advocate on behalf of our members for the policies driving innovation and the nation’s economy. I’m honored to lead an amazing team of state policy professionals who are trusted voices on countless policy issues, and I want to thank them for their dedication and support. I also want to thank Linda for her continued guidance, as well as the faith she’s placed in me to lead our state program,” said Edmonson.

Prior to joining TechNet, Edmonson was Executive Director of Austin Tech Alliance, a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to promoting a culture of civic engagement in Austin’s tech sector. He also worked in Texas state government for 12 years, holding roles with Texas State Senator Rodney Ellis, Texas State Senator Eliot Shapleigh, and then-Attorney General Greg Abbott. David received his J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law and his bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston.

TechNet’s 50-state advocacy program includes:

  • California and the Southwest Region which, in addition to California, covers Arizona, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. The region is led by Dylan Hoffman, who is based in Sacramento.
  • 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 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 Southeast Region which, in addition to Texas, covers Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Puerto Rico, and South Carolina. The region will soon be 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.