Dem operative Crider headed to Microsoft

Longtime Democratic operative Jennifer Crider is leaving House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi’s (D-Calif.) office to work for Microsoft.

Crider, a former deputy executive director of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and political director for Pelosi, emailed contacts Tuesday morning to announce her new post as the director of public relations at the tech giant.

{mosads}“It’s been an honor to spend the past decade working for Leader Nancy Pelosi, one of the most brilliant political and policy minds in D.C.,” she wrote. “Everyday was a master class. My time with her and her team changed my life professionally and personally.”

Crider will move to Microsoft’s Seattle headquarters and focus on intellectual property matters for the company and communications surrounding any litigation issues, according to the email.

Microsoft has been caught in court disputing with its tech rival, Google, while both companies have been battling with so-called “patent trolls,” firms that buy patents with the intent to sue – and profit – from as many companies as possible.

“Who would have thought that my plan to be in D.C. for one year would lead to this amazing adventure?” Crider continued in the email. “While it is humbling to be a witness to so many historic moments of the past 17 years, what is awe-inspiring is the dedication of the fantastic people I’ve worked with and the wonderful friends I’ve made.”

In addition to Pelosi, she has worked for other Democratic Reps. Jim McDermott (Wash.), Chris Van Hollen (Md.) Steve Israel (N.Y.), the late Bob Matsui (Calif.) and Washington Sen. Maria Cantwell (D).