Civitech Appoints Andrew Byrnes as General Counsel

Byrnes arrives at Civitech with over 25 years of experience bridging technology, public policy, and high-stakes legal strategy. At Uber, he managed legal operations for the company’s global rideshare business spanning 60 countries. His background also includes a tenure as Chief of Staff at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, where he oversaw a massive federal budget and coordinated innovation policy with the White House. Beyond his corporate work, Byrnes maintains a lengthy record in Democratic politics, having served as Chair of the San Mateo County Democratic Party and as a contributor to several presidential campaigns.

Since its founding in 2019, Civitech has provided voter data and outreach tools to over 1,400 partners. CEO Jeremy Smith noted that as the firm navigates the intersection of data and politics, Byrnes’s dual expertise in legal infrastructure and progressive advocacy is critical for the next stage of company expansion. For his part, Byrnes views the transition as an opportunity to apply technological solutions to the challenge of civic engagement. A Harvard Law graduate, he will continue his existing roles as an Entrepreneur in Residence at Yale Ventures and as the principal of his own advisory firm, Byrnes Impact.