WASHINGTON – November 7, 2022 – BSA | The Software Alliance is expanding its senior leadership with the addition of Michael O’Brien, who joins the trade association as Vice President of Global Public Affairs. Based in Washington, D.C., O’Brien will lead worldwide policy and advocacy communications for the global enterprise software industry.

Over the course of nearly 15 years, O’Brien has held several public affairs leadership positions, including most recently as Vice President of Public Affairs and Advocacy for the National Association of Manufacturers and, previously, as Director of Public Affairs for the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. He launched his career as a journalist, serving as a politics reporter for NBC News and a staff writer for The Hill. 

“BSA’s members are the most innovative software companies in the world, whose products are improving our economies, our societies, and how we communicate,” said O’Brien. “BSA is a leading voice that generates practical insights and advances policy solutions in Washington, Brussels, and world capitals around the globe. I am excited to help tell the story of industry and further BSA’s important advocacy.”

“I am thrilled to welcome Michael to our growing team,” said Victoria Espinel, President and CEO of BSA. “BSA’s member companies advance responsible policies to shape our most important tech issues. As governments seek to regulate the digital environment in key areas such as privacy, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and cross-border data, Michael has precisely the right mix of experience and expertise to further strengthen BSA as a leading source of analysis, ideas, and solutions for policymakers worldwide.”