Former Director of California's GO Biz, Former Director of Policy at Facebook Join CALinnovates.

California advocacy group grows technology policy team in the Bay Area and Washington, D.C..

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Jun 29, 2015, 02:27 ET

SAN FRANCISCO, June 29, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- CALinnovates executive director Mike Montgomery announced today that Kish Rajan and Tim Sparapani have joined the organization as chief evangelist and senior policy fellow, respectively. Representing companies across the Golden State, CALinnovates advocates for businesses that are improving industries and expanding economic opportunities for Californians through innovative technologies.

Building on expansive experience in California technology and public policy, Rajan serves as CALinnovates' chief evangelist, leading the organization's statewide business and economic development programs. Most recently, Rajan served as director of the California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO Biz.) under Governor Jerry Brown. As a public advocate, he shaped the state's economic development efforts, working with policy makers, business leaders and communities to advance economic growth and a positive business climate in California. Previously, Rajan was elected city council member for the City of Walnut Creek in the Bay Area.

"Innovation is the new heartbeat of our economy. As California asserts its global leadership, we want this boom to create opportunity for every Californian," Rajan said. "At CALinnovates we are developing a robust work plan to increase public awareness and shape policy discussions about the imperative to build a more modern economy that can benefit all."

A prominent privacy advocate, Sparapani joins CALinnovates as a champion of consumers at the federal level, and will serve as senior policy fellow. A self-described "tech optimist", Sparapani has helped innovators and entrepreneurs navigate the world of D.C., state and international regulation for over a decade, first as director of public policy at Facebook, then as vice president of law, policy and government affairs at the Application Developers Alliance. Sparapani formerly served as senior legislative counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union.

"The bridge between California technology and Washington policy has never been more important than it is today," said Sparapani. "The tech community's ingenuity and disruptions echo through Capitol Hill. It is important that regulations power innovation while providing certainty and competition and ensure consumer protection and choice."

"Kish and Tim are well-regarded thought leaders in technology policy matters and bring immense knowledge and experience to CALinnovates," said Montgomery. "In having colleagues with their expertise on both coasts, CALinnovates will continue to expand its tech advocacy and leadership on behalf of innovators and entrepreneurs at every level of government."

Located in San Francisco, CALinnovates is a non-profit tech advocacy coalition working with innovative companies across the Golden State that are improving industries and expanding economic opportunities across the nation.

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