Washington, D.C. — TechNet, the national, bipartisan network of innovation economy CEOs and senior executives, today announced Lia Nitake as Deputy Executive Director for California and the Southwest. Nitake will play a pivotal role in TechNet’s state advocacy and political activity in California, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. 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.

“TechNet is excited Lia is joining our accomplished state team to advance our member companies’ priorities in California and the Southwest. Lia’s depth and breadth of experience at the national and state level comes at a crucial time as our nation is working to combat COVID-19 and rebuild the economy. Lia will be a valuable member of TechNet and help our organization advocate for policies that promote innovation, create jobs, and grow our economy,” said Linda Moore, President and CEO.

“California and the Southwest are crucial regions for tech policy, and Lia’s connections will be vital to TechNet’s continued success. Her background in issue advocacy will bolster TechNet’s already-strong state team and ensure that our member companies’ priorities remain at the forefront of the public policy debates throughout California and the Southwest. She will be a great addition to our team, and we are thrilled to welcome her to TechNet,” said David Edmonson, Vice President, State Policy and Government Relations.

Nitake has deep policy experience. She most recently served as an economic development and public affairs consultant in Sacramento. Prior to that, she was Public Policy Director for the California and Sacramento Asian Pacific Chambers of Commerce where she led planning and implementation for the policy team over two organizations. Nitake also worked for the World Bank and the U.S. Department of Commerce.

“Technology is at the forefront of everything we do. I am excited to join TechNet’s talented team to advocate for policies that are critical to advancing the innovation economy. I look forward to working with policymakers in California and across the Southwest as the tech industry continues to connect communities and bring economic growth and resiliency to the region,” said Nitake.

Nitake brings to TechNet a decade of policy and economic development experience at the local, state, and international levels. She earned her bachelor’s degree from California State University Long Beach and her master’s degree from the Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies.