Washington, D.C. — TechNet, the national, bipartisan network of innovation economy CEOs and senior executives, today announced Trent Edwards as Vice President of Membership and Strategic Partnerships effective May 21. Based in San Francisco, California, Edwards will lead TechNet’s partnerships with its members and other organizations committed to advancing pro-innovation policies.
“TechNet’s members are advancing innovations in many exciting areas like artificial intelligence, e-commerce, and transportation, making it critical for us to engage lawmakers at every level of government to ensure all Americans can share in the benefits of their technologies,” Edwards said. “I look forward to working with TechNet’s members and government leaders to enact policies that will bolster innovation, create jobs, and improve lives.”
Of Edwards’ hiring, TechNet President and CEO Linda Moore said: “Throughout his career, Trent has demonstrated a keen ability to bring stakeholders together to accomplish shared goals. As TechNet’s Vice President of Membership and Strategic Partnerships, Trent will help TechNet foster close collaboration between the technology industry and government. His proven leadership skills and strategic thinking will ensure his success in this role, and we are thrilled that he has joined our team.”
Edwards has more than 15 years of experience in politics and public policy at the federal, state, and local levels. From 2012 to 2017, he served as the Director of Development for the Congressional Leadership Fund (CLF) and American Action Network (AAN). Under his leadership, the organizations raised $190 million and helped elect more than 50 Members of Congress. Prior to his role at CLF, he was Chief of Staff to Congressman Scott DesJarlais (R-TN) during his first term, where he helped build and oversee the congressman’s operations in both Washington, D.C. and Tennessee, and acted as the lead liaison between the office and external stakeholders. Trent has also held various fundraising roles on political campaigns and committees, including a five-year stint at the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC).