Joseph Okpaku

Joseph Okpaku (oh-PAH-koo) is the Vice President of Government Relations at Lyft.  Joseph oversees a team of over 30 people that has helped create and implement, in less than four years, the nationwide legislative and regulatory framework for the ridesharing industry, including legislation in over 40 states and numerous municipalities. The Lyft Government Relations team has also led on the formation of autonomous vehicle policy, focusing on the key role that ridesharing will play in the testing and widespread deployment of AV technology, and Joseph has testified before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation as well at the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection.

Prior to joining Lyft’s Government Relations team, Joseph served as Chief of Staff for Councilmember Ash Kalra in San Jose, CA.  During his tenure with Councilmember Kalra, Joseph advised on policy matters, including the development and implementation of an innovative land use ordinance limiting the growth of payday lending, and an ordinance banning smoking in outdoor dining areas. Joseph also advised on political strategy, oversaw media communications, and coordinated the response to all constituent concerns.

Joseph, a native New Yorker, also worked for the Division of Enforcement of the New York Stock Exchange’s Regulation Department for six years, and spent four years working as an Assistant District Attorney in the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office under Robert Morgenthau.

Related Sessions

Breakout Session: Innovation at War With Regulation? Location: RM 190, Stanford Law School Classroom Building Date: June 27, 2017 Time: 1:45 pm - 3:00 pm View session

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