TechNet Announces Ruthie Barko as Executive Director for Colorado and the Central U.S. Region

Washington, D.C. – TechNet, the national, bipartisan network of innovation economy CEOs and senior executives, today announced Ruthie Barko as Executive Director for Colorado and the Central U.S. This is a new region for TechNet’s 50-state advocacy program, and Barko will oversee TechNet’s state advocacy and political activity in Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Wyoming, in addition to Colorado. Barko’s first day will be November 1.

“We are thrilled to have someone with Ruthie’s experience and knowledge of state-level issues join our growing team,” said TechNet President and CEO Linda Moore. “Our state program remains one of the most highly valued parts of our organization, and Ruthie will strengthen our advocacy and advance issues that impact our members, consumers, and the economy. We’re excited to welcome Ruthie to our team.”

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.

“Colorado is a growing tech hub, and Ruthie is intimately familiar with the issues impacting the state. Her presence in Denver will help TechNet and our member companies respond to and manage the growing number of bills being introduced and considered,” said David Edmonson, TechNet’s Vice President of State Policy and Government Relations. “By expanding our state program, all of our executive directors will have fewer states to cover, allowing us to better monitor, educate, and respond to our members and lawmakers on impactful legislation across the U.S.”

Barko joins TechNet after running state government affairs for nearly a decade at Air Methods Corporation, the largest air ambulance company in the United States with services in 49 states. Barko has also worked with Members of Congress and various federal agencies including Health and Human Services, the Department of Transportation, and the National Park Service. She has served on two Congressional campaigns and has experience in the nonprofit sector. Barko holds a master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration from Northwestern University and a bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University. She will be based in Denver, her hometown.

“I’m excited to join TechNet and their phenomenal state team,” said Barko. “I look forward to working with TechNet’s many member companies to advocate for policies that grow our economy and expand opportunities for people in Colorado, the central U.S., and across the country.”