Washington, D.C. — TechNet, the national, bipartisan network of innovation economy CEOs and senior executives, today announced Servando Esparza as Executive Director for Texas and the Southeast. He will assume the role on December 7. Based in Austin, Servando will oversee TechNet’s state advocacy in Texas, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Alabama. TechNet’s state team leads on a wide range of technology issues, including computer science education, privacy, cybersecurity, tax, energy, broadband expansion, and policies affecting the gig and sharing economies. He most recently served as Senior Manager of Government Partnerships for Bird Rides. Esparza’s previous work includes roles at ofo, the Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association, and in the Texas State Senate.
“TechNet is proud to welcome Servando to our team and we are confident he will deliver results for our members. His depth and breadth of experience demonstrates a knowledge of tech priorities and the inner workings of the state legislative process that will bolster our already strong state team. Servando is a welcome addition to TechNet as we work to enable inclusive job growth, empower the workforce of tomorrow, ensure our nation’s global competitiveness, and promote digital trust,” said Linda Moore, President and CEO.
“Arriving at TechNet with a keen understanding of tech and public policy, Servando is a welcome addition to TechNet’s state team. His professional and strategic advocacy with deep connections to state legislatures will bolster our presence in state capitals across the southeast region. I know Servando will deliver results and provide valuable counsel for our members as they navigate upcoming legislative sessions,” said David Edmonson, Vice President, State Policy and Government Relations.
“I am grateful to TechNet’s President and CEO, Linda Moore, and its Vice President for State Policy and Government Relations, David Edmonson, for their trust in me as I assume this new role. Tech plays a crucial role in Americans’ daily lives by enabling remote work and telelearning in addition to powering our economic recovery. I am excited to be joining this dynamic team of state policy professionals and look forward to advocating for policies that grow the innovation economy,” said Servando Esparza, Executive Director, Texas and the Southeast.
Note: Esparza joins TechNet from Bird Rides, where he served as Senior Manager of Government Partnerships for the Southeast region of the U.S. Prior to his time at Bird, Servando worked at ofo, a dockless bicycle company, as the Head of Public Policy for the Central U.S., as well as serving as the Manager of Government Affairs for the Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association. He worked in the Texas Senate for eight years as a policy analyst for Texas State Senator Leticia Van de Putte (D) and legislative aide to Texas State Senator Kip Averitt (R). Esparza grew up in Fort Worth, Texas, and graduated from Texas Wesleyan University.