Boston, MA — TechNet, the national, bipartisan network of innovation economy CEOs and senior executives, today named Chris Gilrein as its new Executive Director for Massachusetts and the Northeast. Based in Boston, Massachusetts, Gilrein will oversee TechNet’s state advocacy in Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, DC. Gilrein will assume the role on August 24.

“Chris’ experience working to improve the lives of Massachusetts residents demonstrates a deep knowledge of the issues that are vital to the state,” said TechNet President and CEO Linda Moore. “We’ve seen the important role technology has played in Americans’ lives during these uncertain times from providing essential services to enabling telework, telehealth, and telearning solutions. I know that Chris will be a valuable addition to TechNet as we work to ensure technology continues to help Northeast communities remain productive and rebuild even stronger.”

TechNet Acting Vice President of State Policy and Politics David Edmonson added, “Chris’ background in the Massachusetts state legislature and previous work to grow the innovation economy makes him a natural fit for TechNet. The entire state team and I look forward to working with him as we advocate for policies that help grow jobs and keep Americans connected in the Northeast.”

In joining TechNet, Gilrein said, “Now, more than ever, we are witnessing the importance of the tech community and fostering innovation in our economy in Massachusetts and the Northeast. Tech is helping us stay connected to work, life and education, advancing cutting-edge research, and driving economic opportunity. I am thrilled to be joining this network of innovators, entrepreneurs, and game-changing companies, and to be advocating for forward-looking policies on their behalf.”

Chris joins TechNet from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, where he served as Director for Business Development and was heavily involved in promoting and supporting the Massachusetts innovation economy. Previously, Chris was a Policy and Regulatory Manager for the Clean Energy Collective. Prior to that, he served as Chief of Staff to Massachusetts State Senator Benjamin B. Downing, where he was also Legislative Director. He is a native of Charlton, Massachusetts and holds both a Master of Science in Public Affairs and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Massachusetts, Boston.