Our Mission
The purpose of the Innovation & Technology Foundation is to build the next generation of technology innovation policy professionals. Specifically, the Innovation & Technology Foundation will place full-time fellows in legislative and executive offices who are willing to host a fellow and interface with legislative policy work, during legislative sessions within any U.S. state. Fellows receive comprehensive training and support, including legislative process instruction, networking opportunities, and continuous mentorship.
Texas is leading the nation on innovative policy, but legislative offices often lack the deep technical expertise to keep pace with rapidly evolving issues such as AI deployment, cybersecurity challenges and digital infrastructure needs. In past sessions the legislature has relied heavily on the IT Caucus to educate members and staff, but we know that with the continued acceleration of the technology landscape, we need to provide our members with more resources.
This is why the Innovation & Technology Foundation was created, to recruit, train, and place domain-expert fellows directly inside key offices to strengthen Texas’s policymaking capacity, at no cost to the state. Formally incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2024, the Innovation & Technology Foundation launched its inaugural fellowship at the start of the 89th Legislative session, where the model demonstrated exceptional results and validated the need for embedded technical expertise.
Read more about our program and testimonials by viewing our Innovation and Technology Foundation Guide
Our Team
Founding Chair and Executive Director - Giovanni Capriglione
Giovanni Capriglione serves as Founding Chair and Executive Director of the Innovation & Technology Foundation and is a leading voice in Texas technology and innovation policy.
At the Capitol, he chairs the House Committee on the Delivery of Government Efficiency as well as the Innovation & Technology Caucus, where he is widely recognized for his leadership on emerging technology issues. Giovanni has authored and passed landmark legislation including the Texas Cybercrime Act, the Texas Cybersecurity Act, the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act, the Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act, and the establishment of the Texas Cyber Command. His work has also advanced thoughtful regulation of digital assets, strengthened penalties for doxing, improved IT workforce pipelines, expanded Texans’ right to repair electronics, and enabled state agencies to adopt generative AI for modernization efforts.
Giovanni has previously chaired several high-impact committees and advisory councils focused on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data privacy, and state technology infrastructure. His forward-looking approach to policymaking has earned him numerous honors, including the Center for Public Sector AI’s Top 50 Innovators Award, the Bob Bullock Award for Outstanding Public Stewardship, the Texas Venture Gala and Forum’s Texan Legislator of the Year Award, the Texas Association of Business Technology Policy & Innovation Award, the National Association of State CIOs Technology Champion Award, and TechNet’s Champion of Innovation Award. Giovanni’s commitment to responsible, future-focused innovation guides his leadership of ITF, ensuring the Foundation remains a trusted, nonpartisan resource for technology policy in Texas.
Chief Operating Officer - Katy Aldredge
Katy Aldredge serves as the Chief Operating Officer for the Innovation & Technology Foundation, where she oversees organizational management, program execution, and the operational infrastructure that supports ITF’s statewide mission.
Katy brings more than a decade of experience in the Texas House of Representatives, including her service as Chief of Staff to Chairman Giovanni Capriglione and her work supporting several high-impact committees focused on financial services, technology modernization, and emerging innovations. Her background gives her a deep understanding of legislative operations, staff development, and the day-to-day demands of high-level policymaking.
Throughout her tenure at the Capitol, Katy has played a key role in coordinating committee initiatives, managing complex legislative workloads, and supporting the advancement of major technology and transparency reforms. Her experience training staff, navigating fast-moving policy environments, and building strong internal processes directly informs her leadership at ITF.
As COO, she ensures that fellows, partner offices, and statewide stakeholders receive the operational support necessary for effective, innovation-focused policy development. Katy’s commitment to integrity, efficiency, and service guides her work as she helps build the Foundation into a leading nonpartisan resource for technology, talent development, and future-focused policymaking in Texas.
Chief Strategy Officer - Alana Garrett
Alana Garrett serves as the Chief Strategy Officer for the Innovation & Technology Foundation, where she leads organizational strategy, policy development, and the statewide expansion of ITF’s mission.
Alana brings deep experience from the highest levels of the Texas Legislature, including her service as Legislative Director to Chairman Giovanni Capriglione and her work in the Office of the Speaker of the Texas House. Her background provides a strong foundation in legislative analysis, policy design, and the strategic decision-making required to navigate complex issues across finance, artificial intelligence, government efficiency, and fiscal transparency.
Throughout her tenure at the Capitol, Alana has managed the development and analysis of numerous legislative initiatives, guided parliamentary and policy strategy, and supported the advancement of high-impact technology and governance reforms. Her experience working within fast-moving committee environments, coordinating cross-office efforts, and supporting senior leadership directly shapes her approach at ITF.
As CSO, she oversees the Foundation’s mission, governance framework, and policy agenda focused on emerging technologies and data privacy. Alana’s commitment to strategic growth, collaborative leadership, and the advancement of Texas’s innovation ecosystem helps build the Foundation into a trusted, nonpartisan resource for future-focused policymaking.
Director of Industry Partnerships - Spencer Ward
Spencer Ward serves as the Director of Industry Partnerships for the Innovation & Technology Foundation, where he leads engagement with technology leaders, industry partners, and subject-matter experts to strengthen ITF’s statewide impact.
Spencer brings extensive experience at the intersection of technology, policy, and stakeholder engagement through his work supporting the Texas Legislature and serving as Executive Director of the Innovation & Technology Caucus. In this role, he has connected lawmakers with innovators, founders, and researchers to ensure policy discussions are informed by real-world expertise and emerging industry trends.
With a background in legislative strategy and issue analysis, Spencer has supported members through complex policy questions involving digital assets, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and the state’s growing innovation ecosystem.
His ability to bridge the gap between industry and government informs his leadership at ITF, where he develops partnerships that enhance the fellowship program, expand access to technical expertise, and strengthen the state’s innovation capacity. Spencer is committed to cultivating a collaborative, forward-thinking environment where policymakers and industry leaders can work together to shape responsible, future-focused technology policy for Texas.
