Marci Harris

Founder and CEO, POPVOX, Inc.

Professional Overview

Marci Harris is an accomplished civic technology innovator, educator, and thought leader. As the Founder and CEO of POPVOX, Inc., she has pioneered the use of technology to bridge the gap between citizens and government, empowering individuals to engage more effectively with the legislative process. With deep expertise in public policy, technology, and democratic governance, Marci is a driving force in the civic tech space, shaping the intersection of technology and civic participation.

Experience Summary

Current Roles

Founder and CEO, POPVOX, Inc. (2010 - Present)

• Leads the strategic vision and day-to-day operations of POPVOX, a civic technology platform that connects citizens with lawmakers and the legislative process

• Oversees the development and implementation of innovative digital tools and platforms to enhance civic engagement and government transparency

• Fosters collaborative partnerships with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and technology companies to advance the use of technology for civic betterment

Founder and Executive Director, POPVOX Foundation (2021 - Present)

• Established the POPVOX Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting civic education, digital literacy, and inclusive democratic participation

• Directs the Foundation's initiatives to empower underrepresented communities and increase access to civic engagement opportunities

Political Science Lecturer, San Jose State University (2022 - Present)

• Shares expertise in public policy, technology, and civic engagement as a lecturer in the Political Science department

• Develops and delivers courses that explore the intersection of technology, governance, and citizen participation

Adjunct Professor, University of San Francisco (2021 - Present)

• Contributes to the university's curriculum by teaching courses on civic technology and democratic innovation

Career Progression

Prior to founding POPVOX, Marci served as a Legislative Counsel in the Office of U.S. Representative Pete Stark, where she specialized in healthcare policy and legislation. She has also held fellowships at prestigious institutions, such as the Harvard Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation and New America, further solidifying her expertise in the field of civic technology and democratic governance.

Academic Background

Marci holds a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law, where she graduated with honors. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Political Science from the University of Tennessee.

Areas of Expertise

• Civic technology and digital civic engagement

• Public policy, legislation, and government affairs

• Nonprofit leadership and strategic organizational development

• Entrepreneurship and innovation in the civic tech space

• Curriculum development and academic instruction in political science and technology

Professional Impact

• Pioneered the use of technology to facilitate citizen-government interactions and enhance legislative transparency

• Contributed to the advancement of civic tech through leadership roles, fellowships, and academic appointments

• Leveraged technology to empower underrepresented communities and promote inclusive democratic participation

• Recognized as a thought leader in the intersection of technology, governance, and civic engagement

Conclusion

Marci Harris is a visionary civic tech entrepreneur, educator, and advocate who has dedicated her career to bridging the gap between citizens and government. Through her leadership at POPVOX, POPVOX Foundation, and her academic roles, she continues to drive innovation, foster civic engagement, and champion the transformative power of technology in shaping a more inclusive and responsive democratic system.