Chicago, IL — TechNet, the national, bipartisan network of innovation economy CEOs and senior executives, today announced it is opening a new office in Chicago, Illinois, and appointing Jane McEnaney as its first Executive Director for the Midwest. McEnaney will oversee TechNet’s state advocacy and political activity in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, and Wisconsin. She assumes her new role on Monday, May 21.

“We are very pleased to welcome Jane McEnaney to our team,” said Linda Moore, President and CEO of TechNet. “TechNet’s expansion into the Midwest illustrates how the tech industry has grown well beyond its Silicon Valley roots and is spurring job growth and unlocking new opportunities for Americans all across the country. As the tech industry’s footprint has broadened, so has our 50-state advocacy team. With Jane’s valuable advocacy and communications experience, we are well positioned to continue advancing policies across the Midwest that drive innovation and promote economic growth. We are fortunate to have her on board.”

In joining TechNet, McEnaney said, “I am thrilled to join TechNet’s successful state team. As innovative startups and iconic companies continue to grow their presence in the Midwest, they must have a seat at the table for policy debates that will impact their future. I look forward to advocating on behalf of TechNet’s member companies in state capitals across the Midwest while promoting initiatives that empower the tech industry to create jobs, spur economic development, and unleash the region’s immense entrepreneurial potential.”

Jane McEnaney joins TechNet from the Office of Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner (R), who issued the following statement regarding her departure:

“Jane has been an influential player in this administration over the last three and a half years. Her strategic edge, institutional knowledge, and energetic spirit will be missed, though I am certain she will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in all her future endeavors.”

Jane served as Director of House Operations for the governor. In this role, she was responsible for lobbying the Illinois House of Representatives and advancing the governor’s legislative agenda. Prior to representing the administration on the House floor, Jane was Director of Legislative Affairs for the Illinois Department of Revenue, during which time her office was recognized for exceptional results in advancing simpler, smarter tax policy and awarded the 2016 Outstanding Achievement in State Tax Reform by the Tax Foundation. Before returning to Illinois to manage government affairs for a free-market think tank in her home state, Jane worked on former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney’s (R) 2012 presidential campaign at its Boston headquarters and was the Staff Assistant in the Washington, D.C., office of Representative Paul Ryan (R-WI) in 2011. Jane graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science.

About TechNet’s 50-State Advocacy Program

McEnaney is the first to lead this newly opened Chicago office, the latest addition to TechNet’s strong 50-state program. The state team consists of Andrea Deveau, Vice President, State Policy and Politics; Laura Bennett, Executive Director, California and the Southwest; Jo Deutsch, Executive Director, Washington and the Northwest; Caroline Joiner, Executive Director, Texas and the Southeast; Matthew Mincieli, Executive Director, Massachusetts and the Northeast; and Bish Paul, State Policy Manager. TechNet’s state team engages 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.

About TechNet
TechNet is the national, bipartisan network of technology CEOs and senior executives that promotes the growth of the innovation economy by advocating a targeted policy agenda at the federal and 50-state level. TechNet’s diverse membership includes dynamic startups and the most iconic companies on the planet and represents three million employees and countless customers in the fields of information technology, e-commerce, the sharing and gig economies, advanced energy, cybersecurity, venture capital, and finance. TechNet has offices in Albany, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Olympia, Sacramento, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Tallahassee, and Washington, D.C.