Jesse Mortenson
![](https://www.socallinuxexpo.org/sites/default/files/styles/square_thumbnail/public/speakers/team-headshot-02-small.jpg?itok=5yxZSG4O)
Chief Technology Officer
Civic Eagle / Open States
I was inspired to join Civic Eagle by the founders’ commitment to the mission of improving participation in democracy and by the perseverance and tenacity they demonstrated in overcoming obstacles to that mission. At Civic Eagle, we help the people who connect directly with communities translate a desire for a better world into public policy. These folks are often strapped for time and resources, so our data automation and collaboration tools make their biggest impact at that “grasstops” level.
I was employee #1 in 2018 and led our efforts to adopt and incorporate the Open States project. I have a background that includes positions focusing on DevOps, API development in a SaaS context, and side projects collecting data for the public good.