Upwork has appointed Patrick Hedren as vice president and global head of public policy and government relations, a news release said.
“Policymakers around the world increasingly understand the changing nature of work, and we are proud of our role in this transformation,” Brian Levey, Upwork’s chief business affairs and legal officer, said. “Patrick’s appointment will continue to enable and advance how we advocate for professionals taking control of their careers by leveraging the Upwork work marketplace, and we couldn’t be more thrilled he’s joined the team.”
The executive previously worked at the National Association of Manufacturers, the release said.
Hedren will be tasked with strengthening public policies to help professionals locate work. The move coincides with demand for more freelance work amid the pandemic.
“In many ways, the COVID-19 crisis has forced us all to question the nature of work as well as the norms and systems in place that support it,” Hedren said in the release. “But this change has been brewing in the background for years. Professionals and businesses are exploring new ways of working, and they’re waking up to the benefits of having way more flexibility and control than before. It’s crucial for policymakers to navigate this inflection point with care. I look forward to working with government officials and other key stakeholders around the world to help usher in this new era of work and to unleash economic opportunities that enable people to live better lives.”
Hedren will be responsible for helping all stakeholders navigate the future of work.