TechAmerica needed to make an explosive statement when it hired a new head of its public sector division. Consider it done.

Mike Hettinger, a veteran on Capitol Hill and in the federal technology community, will join the industry association Jan. 6 as its new senior vice president for public sector, TechAmerica announced today.

Hettinger comes to TechAmerica from the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) where he has been the vice president of the Public Sector Innovation Group since March 2012.

“Mike’s experience is rare in the industry,” said Shawn Osborne, president and CEO of TechAmerica, in a statement. “Over nearly two decades, he has covered every base of the public sector, including working on issues of importance to our industry in Congress, as a business leader and most recently with a leading industry association.”

Hettinger takes over a public sector shop that has been mired in controversy over the past few months. Last month, four top officials resigned on the same day to move to a rival trade association and start a competing public sector practice. Hettinger replaces Trey Hodgkins, one of those employees in the middle of the lawsuit.

TechAmerica has since sued three of the four former employees as well as the IT Industry Council. It recently revealed more details of the allegations against the former employees.

Hettinger will be entrusted with rebuilding the public sector organization by hiring new staff and, maybe more importantly, guaranteeing member companies have confidence in TechAmerica’s public sector organization.

“I am thrilled that Mike has chosen to join us. His experience in the public sector and familiarity with our members will ensure he can hit the ground running and help lead the execution of our public sector board’s 2014 roadmap,” said Robin Lineberger, chairman of the TechAmerica Public Sector board, in a statement.

Hettinger has experience both on Capitol Hill and in industry.

He worked as chief of staff for former Rep. Tom Davis (R-Va.) and chief of staff for the House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Government Organization, Efficiency and Financial Management.

Hettinger also worked as a public policy counselor at Patton Boggs LLP, where he presided over large-scale lobbying and public affairs campaigns.

Before coming to SIIA, Hettinger worked in Grant Thornton’s Global Public Sector Practice where he oversaw strategic planning and market development.

“We were fortunate to have many outstanding candidates, several referred by our board and members, but Mike stood out. His extensive experience will enable TechAmerica to increase our leadership in this sector to the benefit of our members,” Osborne said.

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