TechNet hires Hispanic communications director

TechNet, an organization that represents big tech senior executives on policy issues, hired Keith Fernández as its communications director, the group announced Wednesday.

Fernández was former Florida GOP Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen’s director of communications and a former Univision director of communications for policy and social impact.

“Keith brings experience from Congress, corporate America, and campaigns to our robust press operation. He will play a crucial role in helping elected leaders, the media, and the public better understand the policies that will help keep America the most innovative country in the world,” said TechNet President and CEO Linda Moore in a statement.

Fernández is also an alum of both the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) and the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI), groups that provide internships to young Hispanic professionals seeking an opportunity to work in Congress.

It’s rare for interns to go through both programs, as CHCI tends to work more closely with Democratic offices and CHLI with Republican offices, although both institutes are technically nonpartisan.

Fernández, a Florida native, said he is looking forward to “championing tech’s key role in creating jobs that benefit millions of Americans.”

“Tech companies have worked at an astounding pace to help provide a lifeline for millions during the coronavirus pandemic and are again working to help improve our economy. I’m proud to join TechNet, whose member companies define our way of life, in order to help demonstrate how tech companies grow our nation’s economy and promote the expansion of jobs in addition to shaping the public policy debate ahead of the election,” said Fernández.

TechNet’s membership includes executives from a wide array of big tech, sharing economy companies, financial services companies and industrial conglomerates.