Heather Redman. (Flying Fish Photo)

Venture investor Heather Redman is the new chair of the Washington Technology Industry Association (WTIA), a business association and advocacy group. Redman was named vice chair of WTIA for a two-year term in 2016.

Redman will be tasked with helping the organization grow its public policy influence at the city level, expanding efforts in Seattle and Bellevue, Wash. as well as growing the organization’s presence in Portland, Ore. and Vancouver, Canada. Historically, WTIA has focused its energy at the state level.

“WTIA can do so much more to serve as a partner to Seattle, Bellevue, and other cities in the region to advance a strong economy, equitable access to good jobs, and promote data-driven solutions to issues like housing, traffic and education,” Redman told GeekWire in an email.

Redman is the co-founder and managing director of venture capital firm Flying Fish Partners, which last spring began raising capital for an $80 million fund to invest in Pacific Northwest startups developing artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies.

“Heather is a force of nature when it comes to startup expertise,” WTIA CEO Michael Schutzler said in a statement. “From cofounding Flying Fish Partners to serving as Chair for the Greater Seattle Chamber, these large feats provide Heather with organizational and public policy experience that will help WTIA grow where it counts most — at the city and regional level.”

Redman has described herself as “a consummate networker” and served as chair of the board at the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. She’s also a fund advisor for land conservation nonprofit Forterra and a mentor for Seattle Techstars.

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