Maryland Tech Council Expands Government Affairs Team with New Hire

Rockville, MD (July 24, 2025) – The Maryland Tech Council (MTC), the largest life sciences and technology trade association in the state, has expanded its government affairs presence with the addition of Andrew Zirkle as its new Internal Government Affairs Specialist.

​”Maryland’s life sciences and technology ecosystem is the foundation of Maryland’s economy,” said Kelly Schulz, Chief Executive Officer of the Maryland Tech Council. “As the state and federal policy landscape changes, it is vital that we protect the industries that have created hundreds of thousands of jobs in Maryland. Adding Andrew to our team enhances our outreach to state and federal policymakers and helps us advocate for the policies that promote innovation, discovery, and job creation in Maryland.”

Together with MTC’s legislative coalition, Zirkle will help coordinate the organization’s policy priorities and initiatives related to technology and innovation, including government outreach and industry engagement.

Zirkle most recently served as Chief of Staff and Legislative Director for Delegate Jesse Pippy (4th District), where he oversaw office staff, budget and operations, including constituent services and scheduling. Zirkle earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics from the University of Maryland in 2022 and a Master of Public Policy Degree from the University of Maryland this year.

MTC will host its annual Advocacy Summit and Leadership Cocktail Reception on February 3, 2026. Held in Annapolis during the Maryland General Assembly’s legislative session, the Summit brings industry and policymakers together for wide-ranging panel discussions, presentations, and a networking cocktail reception to advance the interests of life sciences and technology companies in Maryland.

About the Maryland Tech Council

The Maryland Tech Council (MTC) is a collaborative community that is actively engaged in building strong technology and life science industries by supporting the efforts of our individual members. We are the largest technology and life sciences trade association in the state of Maryland, and we provide value by giving members a forum to learn, share, and connect. MTC brings the region’s community together into a single, united organization that empowers our members to achieve their business goals through advocacy, networking and education. The vision for the Maryland Tech Council is to propel Maryland to become the number one innovation economy for life sciences and technology in the country. For more information: mdtechcouncil.com.

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