TechAmerica taps recording industry lobbyist

TechAmerica is tapping a former recording industry lobbyist to handle state issues, a new area for the technology trade association.

Kim Allman, who began the state government affairs area for the Recording Industry Association of America, will now take over a similar advocacy practice at TechAmerica at a time when state laws regarding technology are, in some cases, moving more quickly than federal policies. 

She replaces Roxanne Gould, who ran state government affairs for AeA when it merged with other trade groups to form TechAmerica. Gould is leaving to head government affairs for the western states for Dell, a TechAmerica member.

“Tech firms are facing fundamental policy challenges in the states, more so now than ever before," Allman said in a statement. "Technology is fundamental to America’s competitiveness and drives growth and productivity in nearly every other segment of the economy. This is a rare opportunity to contribute to an important cause.”

After her work at RIAA, she formed Allman Strategies, a government relations consulting firm specializing in entertainment clients, financial services and civil justice clients. She worked with celebrities, including Rosie O'Donnell's foundation that supports underprivileged children. 

She's also been in the telecom world, as she worked for MCI Worldcom's State Government Relations team. Prior to that, she was press secretary to Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-NY). She also served as senior policy advisor to Michigan State Democratic Caucus. 

Allman's hire comes not too long after another technology industry trade group recruited talent from the entertainment arena. A year ago, the Information Technology Industry Council appointed Dean Garfield to be president and CEO. Garfield had previously been chief strategic officer for the Motion Picture Association of America.

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