Washington, D.C. — TechNet, the national, bipartisan network of innovation economy CEOs and senior executives, today named Natalie Gillam McLaughlin as its Director of Communications. Based in Washington, D.C., McLaughlin will spearhead TechNet’s communications efforts in support of our federal and 50-state advocacy teams. She will assume the role on February 25.

“Natalie is a talented and experienced communicator with a strong understanding of the technology policy landscape,” said TechNet President and CEO Linda Moore. “With the 116th Congress underway and state legislatures across the country kicking into high gear, we are excited to have Natalie spearhead our efforts to communicate the positive economic and life-enhancing impacts that the U.S. tech industry has on people across our nation.”

In joining TechNet, McLaughlin said, “TechNet is a leading voice when it comes to informing the debates over the most important issues we face in Washington, D.C. and in state capitals. I look forward to joining the team and working on behalf of America’s innovators to promote a culture of entrepreneurship, job creation, and innovation across the country.”

Of McLaughlin’s hiring, TechNet Vice President of Federal Policy, Government Relations, and Communications Alex Burgos said, “Natalie brings years of policy and communications experience to TechNet, and she will do great work giving voice to the issues facing our industry and our nation. Natalie is going to be an indispensable part of our team as we work to promote policies at all levels of government that will help make the U.S. the world leader in innovation.”

McLaughlin joins TechNet from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where she served as Senior Manager of Media and External Communications, and worked with the Chamber’s Technology Engagement Center (C_TEC). She was previously a member of senior staff for Representative Ryan Costello (R-PA), who served on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. McLaughlin graduated from the University of Tennessee and later earned a master’s degree from the London School of Economics.