Washington, D.C. — TechNet, the national, bipartisan network of innovation economy CEOs and senior executives, today named Peter Chandler as its new Director of Federal Policy and Government Relations. Based in Washington, D.C., Chandler will lead TechNet’s federal efforts with Democratic policymakers. He will assume the role on December 5.

“With over two decades of experience in public policy and campaigns, Peter Chandler has cemented himself as a strong leader who knows how to build coalitions and advance policies that improve peoples’ lives,” saidTechNet President and CEO Linda Moore. “Peter will be a great asset to TechNet as we work to preserve the tech industry’s indispensable role as an engine for job creation, economic growth, and innovative solutions to the world’s biggest challenges. We are thrilled to welcome him to the TechNet team.”

In joining TechNet, Chandler said, “With new technologies rapidly transforming our economy, innovators must work collaboratively with policymakers and other stakeholders to ensure that our policies keep pace with change and help promote new jobs and innovations for years to come. I look forward to bringing my over two decades of experience to TechNet and making areal difference in advancing an agenda that helps ensure more Americans across our nation benefit from the economic opportunities and life-enhancing innovations that the U.S. tech sector continues to offer.”

Of Chandler’s hiring, TechNet Vice President of Federal Policy, Government Relations, and Communications Alex Burgos said, “Peter’s proven experience in advancing legislative agendas and winning campaigns will be invaluable assets to TechNet’s federal efforts. As we continue our work to boost startup growth, enhance STEM education and retraining programs, and reform our immigration system, Peter will be an important partner in advancing these and many other pro-innovation policies during the next Congress and beyond.”

A native of Biddeford, Maine, Peter Chandler has 22 years of campaign, political, and legislative experience at both the state and federal levels. He most recently concluded three and a half years as Chief of Staff to Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI), who was appointed to the Energy and Commerce Committee in her second term and co-chaired the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s (DCCC) WomenLead program in the previous two election cycles. During her first term, Dingell had many impressive legislative victories, including unanimous House passage of the SELF DRIVE Act to help promote American innovation and leadership in autonomous vehicles. Chandler’s first role on Capitol Hill was Chief of Staff to Maine Congressman Mike Michaud (D), a position he held for 12 years. Before joining his legislative office, Chandler ran Michaud’s successful first campaign for Congress in 2002 — defeating five opponents in a Democratic primary and going on to win in the general election.

In 2008, Chandler ran the Maine Democratic Coordinated Campaign and built the most expansive field program in Maine history, helping create the largest Democratic majorities in the Maine House and Senate in 20 and 10 years, respectively, impressive victories for the two members of Congress, and the delivery of Maine’s four electoral votes for Barack Obama. Chandler has also done extensive political consulting and training during the last two decades, including work for the ACLU, the Gay and Lesbian Victory Institute, and the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee in 1998 where he helped deliver a Democratic majority in the New Hampshire State Senate for the first time since 1912.

Chandler’s proudest moment was helping his mother defeat an incumbent Maine State Representative in 1998, after which she went on to serve seven terms in the Maine Legislature. Chandler, an Eagle Scout, graduated with Highest Honors from Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut, and lives in Washington, D.C. with his rescue beagle/hound Hunter.