Internet Association Promotes John Olsen to Senior Vice President, State Government Affairs

“Our dynamic State Government Affairs team is a critical component of IA’s mission to foster innovation, promote economic growth, and empower people through the free and open internet. John’s proven track record of success and strategic thinking has earned him this promotion.”

SNOWDEN

Washington, DC – Internet Association today announced that John Olsen has been promoted to the position of Senior Vice President, State Government Affairs. He previously served as Director of State Government Affairs for the Northeast Region, where he was instrumental in expanding IA’s presence in state legislatures from Maryland to Maine. John brings more than fifteen years of government relations experience, rounding out IA’s exemplary senior leadership team.

“Since joining IA nearly five years ago, John’s efforts have helped elevate IA’s position as a go-to resource for state legislators and internet companies,” said IA President and CEO K. Dane Snowden. “Our dynamic State Government Affairs team is a critical component of IA’s mission to foster innovation, promote economic growth, and empower people through the free and open internet. John’s proven track record of success and strategic thinking has earned him this promotion.”

Olsen joined IA in 2017 as the New York Director for the State Government Affairs team. He went on to open IA’s second state office and in his first year, worked to establish IA as a presence across the state. After one year, John expanded his role to become one of the first regional directors for IA’s state government relations team. His successes in Albany led to him making the list of City & State’s annual 100 Most Powerful People in state politics two years in a row. 

“2021 has been one of the busiest years ever for the internet industry and state legislative efforts. 2022 promises to be equally intense. IA’s state team of talented advocates stand ready to engage, educate, and defend. I’m grateful for the additional trust and responsibility this opportunity affords and excited for the challenges and successes that lie ahead,” said Olsen. “As the conversation surrounding our industry expands in state capitals throughout the U.S., it is more important than ever to collaborate with legislators and executives on policy that truly serves Americans no matter where they live and demonstrates the immense benefits IA members provide to consumers, governments, businesses, and the overall economy.”

Prior to joining Internet Association, Olsen represented various industries in the areas of healthcare, insurance, energy, and finance for nearly a decade as a lobbyist for Featherstonhaugh, Wiley & Clyne, LLP, one of Albany’s top law firms specializing in government relations.

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