Civitech Appoints Andrew Byrnes as New General Counsel to Propel Growth

Civitech Welcomes Andrew Byrnes as General Counsel

In a significant move for its future, Civitech, a public benefit corporation focused on empowering progressive candidates and causes through innovative tools and data solutions, has announced the appointment of Andrew Byrnes as its new General Counsel. With his extensive legal and public policy background, Byrnes is set to play a pivotal role in Civitech's ongoing mission to improve democratic participation.

Byrnes brings a wealth of experience to Civitech, having spent over 25 years at the intersection of technology, law, and public policy. Prior to joining Civitech, he was the Senior Legal Director at Uber, where he spearheaded legal initiatives for the company’s global rideshare operations across more than 60 countries. His expertise also includes a stint as Deputy General Counsel and Global Head of Public Affairs at Getaround, in addition to various senior positions at high-growth technology firms. For a notable portion of his career, Byrnes served as Chief of Staff at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office during the Obama administration, overseeing a substantial workforce and a budget exceeding $3 billion. His career has also included a focus on political law and intellectual property as a partner at Covington & Burling LLP.

Beyond his impressive credentials in the legal realm, Byrnes has been actively involved in Democratic politics for over three decades. His leadership roles include serving as the Chair of the San Mateo County Democratic Party and participation in the National Finance Committees for presidential campaigns of Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Kamala Harris. He also possesses a strong commitment to civil rights, having co-led a significant lawsuit against former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio for racial profiling.

Civitech's growth trajectory has been rapid since its founding in 2019. With a network of over 1,400 partners, the company’s tools have successfully reached millions of voters, making it a valuable ally in progressive electoral strategies. As it looks towards further expansion, Byrnes’ appointment marks an essential milestone. He will be tasked with establishing a robust legal, governance, risk, and compliance framework to support Civitech's ambitious objectives.

“Civitech operates in a complex environment where technology, data, politics, and business converge,” noted Jeremy Smith, Civitech's CEO. “Establishing a solid legal and governance structure is critical to our growth. With Andrew’s extensive experience in navigating these intersections, we believe he is the right person to lead us through this next chapter.”

Byrnes expressed his enthusiasm for joining Civitech, stating, “I’ve dedicated my career to assisting innovators in overcoming intricate legal and strategic challenges. The work that Civitech is doing to enhance democratic engagement is both vital and exciting. I am eager to collaborate with a remarkable team to expand our impact.”

Currently, Byrnes serves as the Principal of Byrnes Impact, where he consults with technology firms and other innovators during their critical phases of growth and risk management. He is also an Entrepreneur in Residence at Yale Ventures and a Fellow of the U.S.-Japan Leadership Program.

Byrnes earned his B.A. in political science from Stanford University, graduating with honors, and holds a J.D. magna cum laude from Harvard Law School. As Civitech continues to innovate in the political technology space, Byrnes' legal acumen will be invaluable in charting a path for responsible growth and enhanced civic engagement.

About Civitech

Civitech specializes in providing progressive campaigns and organizations with cutting-edge voter data and outreach tools necessary to identify, register, and engage potential voters crucial to their success in elections. Since its inception, it has grown to support numerous partners, encompassing campaigns at various governmental levels, national political entities, and leading nonprofits, aiming to positively shape electoral outcomes through informed engagement.