Progressive values cannot be left out of the future of financial regulation. At Open Frontier, we’re ready to promote responsible financial innovation while ensuring strong regulatory guardrails, countering Wall Street and big tech, and stopping bad actors. Finance is evolving, and progressive voices need a seat at the table.
New financial technologies like artificial intelligence and cryptocurrencies are here, and they have the potential to democratize access to finance, ensure data privacy, and make the world a more equitable place. It’s time to use the tools at our disposal for our goals, promoting equality, financial and personal freedom, and fighting creeping authoritarianism.
Whether it is blockchain, or large language models, like any new technology, they are not inherently malicious. What matters is who wields them and for what purpose. Americans who want to maintain our global status must lead, not hand the future to authoritarians and monopolists. Open Frontier aims to ensure we maintain democracy and our competitive standing in the world.
Cryptonite research on Open Frontier
Open Frontier is a private non-profit advocacy organization dedicated to promoting responsible financial innovation in cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies. It emphasizes strong regulatory guardrails, consumer protection, financial inclusion, and countering dominance by Wall Street and big tech. The organization’s unique innovation lies in its progressive, left-leaning approach to crypto policy, integrating democratic values, equity, and U.S. leadership in fintech. This positions Open Frontier to help policymakers craft balanced legislation, educate the public and political leaders (particularly Democrats) on crypto’s potential benefits, and enable the industry to operate with integrity—reducing risks like exploitation while fostering growth and opportunities for everyday people.
Published Positions on Recent Crypto and AI Policy Developments (2025)
Open Frontier has engaged publicly with key 2025 developments, particularly through board member commentary and interviews with Executive Director Erik Balsbaugh. The group has positively discussed the **GENIUS Act** as a model for stablecoin clarity, emphasizing state successes (e.g., Wyoming) and strong rules for trust, accountability, and U.S. dollar dominance. No explicit statements were found on the **Strategic Bitcoin Reserve**, **CLARITY Act** (though conceptual alignment exists on regulatory clarity), **SEC ETF actions**, or broader AI-blockchain executive pushes. Their focus remains on balanced, progressive frameworks.
Financial Backers
There is no public indication or disclosure of who the specific backers, donors, or funding sources are for Open Frontier!
Market
The target audience includes left-leaning policymakers, voters, progressive organizations, and crypto enthusiasts advocating for equitable regulation. The broader crypto political advocacy space is significant, with an estimated $263 million in political spending ahead of the 2026 midterms, fueled by the expanding global crypto market valued at over $2 trillion.
Business and Revenue Model
As a non-profit, Open Frontier relies on donations, grants, and potential partnerships to support its advocacy, policy efforts, and educational initiatives. It remains in early stages, effectively pre-revenue with no traditional income streams. Annual revenue run rate is not publicly detailed but is likely minimal at present. Future growth may stem from increased donations as crypto policy debates intensify.
Founders and Board
Erik Balsbaugh is a key founder and serves as President/Executive Director. Jesse Austin Campbell is a board member. Additional board members include Amanda Wick, Todd Phillips, and Carole House, each contributing expertise in regulation, compliance, policy, and national security.
Erik Balsbaugh
Seasoned political strategist and campaign manager with over 20 years of experience in presidential campaigns, public affairs, voter protection, and innovative digital organizing. Expertise in leveraging new media, livestreaming, and gaming communities for political advocacy and communications. Key contributor to high-profile Democratic campaigns and founder of ventures bridging politics with emerging media landscapes. Currently leads Open Frontier as a progressive voice in cryptocurrency policy.
**Core Skills & Competencies**
- Campaign management and strategy
- Public affairs and communications
- Digital organizing and community building
- Voter protection and ballot curing
- Livestreaming and new media political engagement
- Strategic advising for advocacy and political clients
- **President/Executive Director**, Open Frontier (Current) – Leading progressive advocacy for responsible crypto regulation and financial innovation.
- **Partner**, New Ground Strategies (Current/Recent) – Advising clients on strategic organizing, communications, and public affairs; served as general consultant for Ana Goncalves’ campaign in Rhode Island’s 1st Congressional District special election (2023).
- **Co-Founder**, At Dawn Campaigns – Specialized in livestreaming, organizing, and communications in gaming and media landscapes; focused on digital community building for advocacy, including leading Democrats’ engagement in gaming media during the 2024 election cycle.
- **Senior Advisor for Voter Protection** & **In-Person Ballot Cure Director (GA)**, Various Democratic campaigns/DSCC – Directed ballot curing and voter protection efforts, including leading Kamala Harris’ voter-protection team in 2024 (focused on Pennsylvania ballots) and curing 15,000 ballots in Georgia during the 2020 presidential election for Joe Biden (contributing to his narrow win by 11,779 votes).
- **Grassroots Organizer**, Hillary Clinton Presidential Campaign (2015-2016) – Hired as Massachusetts grassroots organizer; managed Western Massachusetts get-out-the-vote efforts for the Massachusetts Democratic Party in 2010.
- **Director, Best Practices Institute** (Prior role in political organizing at the DNC).
- Extensive work on presidential campaigns, including roles in voter mobilization and public affairs for candidates such as Hillary Clinton (2016) and others in Democratic cycles; also worked on Helena Foulkes’ gubernatorial campaign in Rhode Island (2022).
**Entrepreneurial Ventures**
- Co-Founded At Dawn Campaigns – Developed innovative approaches to political engagement via livestreaming and gaming/media ecosystems.
- Partner at New Ground Strategies – Provides advisory services focused on political and advocacy strategies.
**Education**
- B.A. in International Relations, Colby College.
**Known Political Contributions**
All to Democratic candidates/causes (small-dollar; compiled from public FEC/OpenSecrets records; no crypto-related donations identified):
- $1,950 to Massachusetts Democratic State Committee (2016).
- Multiple $250/$125/$100/$75/$50/$35/$10 contributions to candidates like Joe Biden (2020), Maura T. Healey (2020–2022), Stacey Abrams (2022), and others in Massachusetts, New York, Georgia, Vermont; state committees; and ballot initiatives (2010–2022).
(Note: Gaps may exist due to reporting thresholds.)
**Additional Information**
- Frequent podcast guest/speaker (e.g., The Great Battlefield Podcast).
- Active on LinkedIn and X (@etbalsbaugh).
Jesse Austin Campbell
Accomplished finance and risk management expert with extensive experience in traditional finance (TradFi) and cryptocurrency, specializing in stablecoins, reserve management, and blockchain infrastructure. Former leader managing billions in stablecoin reserves; now advises on crypto regulation and innovation. Adjunct professor teaching blockchain and digital assets at top business schools. Recognized commentator bridging TradFi and crypto for balanced policy.
**Core Skills & Competencies**
- Stablecoin reserve and risk management
- Blockchain markets infrastructure
- Financial regulation and policy advisory
- Portfolio management in digital assets
- Teaching and thought leadership in fintech/crypto
- **Board Member**, Open Frontier (Current) – Contributing expertise in fintech/crypto to progressive crypto policy advocacy.
- **Managing Partner**, Zero Knowledge Consulting (Current) – Consulting on cryptocurrency, regulation, and finance; participated in private discussions with Democratic operatives to advocate for pro-crypto legislation like the GENIUS Act (2025).
- **Adjunct Professor**, Columbia Business School (Current/Recent) – Co-teaches “Blockchain Markets Infrastructure and Uses” and related courses.
- **Former Head of Portfolio Management**, Paxos – Managed over $20-22 billion in stablecoin reserves; designed risk and reserve infrastructure.
- Prior roles at JP Morgan and Citi (structured finance and risk).
**Entrepreneurial Ventures**
- Founder of Zero Knowledge Group/Consulting – Focuses on crypto, finance, and regulatory challenges.
- Advisory for crypto ecosystem projects and stablecoin innovations.
**Education**
- Professional credentials focused on teaching at Columbia Business School and previously NYU Stern (specific degree details limited in public profiles).
**Certifications, Awards, & Recognitions**
- Frequent expert witness (U.S. Congress on stablecoins/regulation).
- Media appearances (CoinDesk, Yahoo Finance, 60 Minutes-related crypto discussions).
**Publications & Speaking Engagements**
- Regular Substack contributor (Confronting the Future) on crypto/finance/regulation.
- Speaker at Consensus by CoinDesk.
- Co-author of papers on crypto in capital markets.
- Interviews on stablecoins, remittances, innovation.
**Known Political Contributions**
No public records identified in FEC/OpenSecrets databases (limited to advisory/testimonial roles in policy discussions rather than direct financial support).
Amanda Wick
Crypto compliance expert, author, speaker, and advocate for responsible digital finance, equity, and inclusion. Former federal prosecutor specializing in money laundering and cryptocurrency; now advances gender diversity, regulatory modernization, and informed public discourse on crypto’s role in global finance. Board member at Open Frontier, emphasizing strong stablecoin rules for U.S. economic strength and national security.
**Core Skills & Competencies**
- Cryptocurrency compliance and anti-money laundering (AML)
- Regulatory advisory and modernization
- Combating illicit finance
- Gender diversity and inclusion in fintech/crypto
- Keynote speaking on digital assets and innovation-government collaboration
- **Board Member**, Open Frontier (Current) – Advocating for progressive, balanced crypto policy; authored commentary on stablecoin rules for economic dominance.
- **Principal**, Incite Consulting (Current) – Expert advisory in digital finance sector.
- **Founder**, Association for Women in Cryptocurrency (Current) – Advances gender diversity, networking, and advocacy in crypto/blockchain/Web3.
- **Senior Investigative Counsel**, House January 6th Committee.
- **Chief of Legal Affairs**, Chainalysis (blockchain analytics).
- **Senior Roles**, FinCEN and U.S. Department of Justice – Focused on cryptocurrency, regulatory modernization, and illicit finance (nearly a decade as federal prosecutor).
**Entrepreneurial Ventures**
- Founder of Association for Women in Cryptocurrency.
- Author of *The Catalysts* (on forces reshaping global finance, including cryptocurrency).
**Education**
- Not explicitly detailed in public profiles (focus on professional legal/prosecutorial experience).
**Publications & Speaking Engagements**
- Author: *The Catalysts*.
- Frequent keynote speaker on digital assets, regulation, and innovation-government dynamics.
- Media/commentary on stablecoins, compliance, and U.S. economic strength.
**Known Political Contributions**
No public records of political contributions or donations to candidates, PACs, or causes were identified in FEC/OpenSecrets databases or other reliable sources. Her involvement appears limited to professional roles in government investigations, policy advisory, and advocacy rather than direct financial support.
**Additional Information**
- Active on LinkedIn (@amandawick).
- Advocate for inclusive decision-making in male-dominated crypto spaces.
Todd Phillips
Thought leader in financial regulation, public policy, and academia with expertise at the intersection of banking, crypto/digital assets, and progressive governance. Advocates for fair, flexible regulation to maintain U.S. competitiveness while embedding transparency, consumer protections, and systemic risk safeguards. Board member at Open Frontier, warning against U.S. falling behind in digital innovation.
- Prior roles: Attorney Advisor/Counsel, Administrative Conference of the United States; Counsel/Policy Advisor, U.S. House of Representatives; Attorney, Better Markets.
**Entrepreneurial Ventures**
- Independent consulting via Phillips Policy Consulting.
**Education**
- Juris Doctor, University of Michigan Law School (2014).
- B.S. in Economics (Summa cum laude) and Political Science, Arizona State University, Barrett Honors College (2010).
**Publications & Speaking Engagements**
- Articles on tokenized deposits/stablecoins, SEC role in digital assets, supervisory guidance, and crypto carveouts.
- Testimony and reports on CFTC climate-finance, bank regulators, and digital asset markets.
**Known Political Contributions**
No public records of specific political contributions or donations to candidates, PACs, or causes were identified for Todd Phillips in FEC/OpenSecrets databases. Multiple individuals with similar names appear in records, but none match his profile as a Georgia-based professor and former FDIC/Center for American Progress expert. His work focuses on policy advisory and academia rather than direct financial political support.
**Additional Information**
- Active on LinkedIn and X (@tphillips).
- Member of various professional committees (e.g., CFTC Market Risk Advisory).
Carole House
Strategic technology executive and national security expert specializing in cybersecurity, critical infrastructure, virtual currency, and emerging technologies. Advocates for U.S. leadership in digital innovation to defend democracy, protect privacy, and maintain global financial centrality. Board member at Open Frontier, highlighting risks of falling behind in fintech/crypto.
**Core Skills & Competencies**
- Cybersecurity and critical infrastructure policy
- Virtual currency/emerging technology regulation
- National security and public-private partnerships
- **Board Member**, Open Frontier (Current) – Commentary on U.S. digital innovation leadership.
- **Nonresident Senior Fellow**, Atlantic Council GeoEconomics Center (Current).
- **Special Advisor for Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure**, White House National Security Council (Recent; previously Director for Cybersecurity and Secure Digital Innovation, 2021-2022).
- Executive/Advisory roles: Terranet Ventures, CFTC, New York DFS, Idaho Department of Finance.
- **Senior Cyber and Emerging Technology Policy Officer**, U.S. Treasury FinCEN – Led cybersecurity, virtual currency, and emerging tech policy.
- Prior: Cybersecurity/infrastructure policy at OMB and U.S. Senate; Army Captain (deployment to Afghanistan).
**Education**
- Professional credentials from Georgetown University and related institutions (specific degrees limited in public profiles).
**Publications & Speaking Engagements**
- Testimony to House Financial Services Committee on digital asset regulation gaps/opportunities.
- Keynote and media on cybersecurity, financial inclusion, and innovation.
**Known Political Contributions**
No public records of political contributions or donations to candidates, PACs, or causes were identified in FEC/OpenSecrets databases or other reliable sources. Her career emphasizes government service in national security, White House/NSC roles, and policy advisory rather than direct financial political involvement.
**Additional Information**
- Active on LinkedIn (@carole-house-47471a40).
- Founder/CEO of Penumbra Strategies (strategic tech/national security advisory).
Editorial current analysis of Open Frontier
Based on our discussion and analysis of publicly available information (as of January 16, 2026), here’s a consolidated view of the key critiques of Open Frontier as a non-profit advocacy group. This draws together the unique perspectives we’ve covered: its reliance on vague, progressive buzzwords; lack of substantive policy depth; appearance as a Democratic political operation rather than a true innovation-focused advocate; opportunistic origins; transparency gaps; and early-stage emphasis on messaging over action. The overall picture suggests an entity more geared toward rebranding crypto for Democrats to tap into industry influence and funding, rather than driving detailed, impactful reforms.
Heavy Reliance on Flowery, Undefined Platitudes
Open Frontier’s messaging is dominated by classic Democratic/progressive buzzwords like “equity,” “strong regulatory guardrails,” “consumer protection,” “financial inclusion,” “responsible financial innovation,” “left-leaning approach,” “honest brokers,” and “countering Wall Street/big tech dominance.” These terms are repeatedly used in their website (openfrontier.us), interviews, and board commentary but remain largely undefined—e.g., no specific metrics for “equity” in crypto access, no concrete anti-monopoly mechanisms against big tech/Wall Street, or detailed frameworks for consumer safeguards.
- This creates a “flowery” vibe that sounds aspirational and inclusive but lacks grounding in practical details, making it feel more like political rhetoric to appeal to skeptical progressives (e.g., the Warren/Gensler wing) without committing to bold, potentially divisive stances.
Lack of Substantive Policy Depth or Original Proposals
- Beyond positive nods to the GENIUS Act (the 2025 stablecoin framework) and state models like Wyoming’s crypto regs as “blueprints” for federal policy, there’s no evidence of digging into existing legislation with line-by-line critiques, proposed amendments, or original reform packages. For instance, no detailed breakdowns of how GENIUS could be strengthened for better consumer protections, no calls for specific anti-exploitation measures, and no research reports analyzing innovation barriers or systemic risks.
- Board contributions (e.g., Amanda Wick on stablecoins for economic strength, Carole House on risks of “falling behind,” Todd Phillips on “fair/flexible regulation,” Austin Campbell on “smart innovation”) are thoughtful op-eds but stay high-level, without translating platitudes into actionable blueprints. This contrasts with true advocacy groups that produce whitepapers, lobby for bill clauses, or hold the industry accountable on specifics.
More Political Operation Than Genuine Advocacy
- The group appears engineered as a Democratic vehicle to make the party “more crypto-friendly” amid crypto’s massive political clout (e.g., $263M+ in spending ahead of 2026 midterms via super PACs like Fairshake). Executive Director Erik Balsbaugh’s 20+ years in Dem campaigns (e.g., Clinton 2016, Biden 2020, Harris 2024) and lack of prior crypto/tech expertise suggest an opportunistic pivot: spotting how the industry punished anti-crypto Dems in 2024 and creating a “trustworthy messenger” to soften skepticism, build coalitions, and potentially capture donations.
- It’s positioned as an “honest broker” for Democrats/progressives, focusing on education and “amplifying progressive voices” to reduce polarization—essentially rebranding crypto as aligned with Dem values without deep engagement on the innovation side. This reads as smart politics to get Dems “in the room” for industry relationships, rather than independently researching or crafting proposals for real change.
Early-Stage Emphasis on Messaging Over Action
- As a new, pre-revenue non-profit (relying on undisclosed donations/grants), the focus is on broad themes like U.S. fintech leadership, avoiding “falling behind globally,” promoting on-chain accountability, and tying stablecoins to things like funding labor movements. However, this prioritizes public discourse, interviews (e.g., Balsbaugh on podcasts/YouTube), and coalition-building over tangible outputs like lobbying disclosures, policy papers, or critiques of industry excesses.
- The approach stays “safe and non-confrontational” toward the crypto establishment, which supports the view that it’s more about bridging Dems to the industry’s money/influence than thoughtfully balancing regulation with innovation.
Transparency and Funding Gaps Raise Questions
- No public donor lists, IRS filings (e.g., Form 990 for 501(c)(3)/(c)(4) status), or lobbying disclosures are visible yet—common for early groups but notable in a space rife with “dark money.” Unlike industry-funded PACs (e.g., backed by Coinbase or Winklevoss twins), this opacity fuels skepticism about whether it’s truly independent or propped up by crypto interests seeking Dem buy-in.
- Board members bring credible expertise (e.g., Campbell from Paxos, Wick from Chainalysis/FinCEN, House from NSC), but the overall operation lacks the fingerprints of grassroots or pure industry advocacy, reinforcing the “political messaging vehicle” critique.
In summary
Open Frontier comes across as a well-timed Democratic response to crypto’s political rise—using buzzwords to make the industry palatable to the party while prioritizing winning elections and influence over substantive, research-driven advocacy. If it evolves with more granular proposals or disclosures in 2026, this could shift; for now, it feels light on real action and heavy on image-building.
Stand with Crypto’s Stated Mission
The goal of the Stand with CryptoAlliance is to mobilize the 52 million American crypto owners into a powerful force. The Stand With Crypto Alliance, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit, champions for clear, common-sense regulations for the crypto industry. We’re mobilizing the 52 million crypto owners in the US - a demographic that is younger (60% Gen-Z and Millennials) and more diverse (41% identify as racial minorities) than the general US population - to unlock crypto’s innovation potential and foster greater economic freedom. Crypto drives American innovation. Keeping crypto in America means securing jobs and economic mobility. If you care about crypto, it’s time to prove it—join the fight to keep crypto in America, support pro-crypto legislation, and hold politicians accountable.
Cryptonite research on Stand with Crypto
Stand With Crypto is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit advocacy organization launched in 2023 by Coinbase, dedicated to mobilizing the U.S. crypto community to advocate for clear, common-sense regulations and pro-crypto policies. It emphasizes grassroots engagement to influence legislation, educate policymakers, and protect the industry’s future in America. The organization’s unique strength lies in its massive scale—over 2 million advocates—and use of digital tools (e.g., onchain petitions, NFTs, direct politician contact) to turn crypto users into a unified political force. This positions Stand With Crypto to pressure Congress for favorable market structure bills, track politician stances, support pro-crypto candidates, and counter anti-crypto narratives, enabling the industry to thrive with innovation while building economic freedom and U.S. leadership.
Published Positions on Recent Crypto and AI Policy Developments (2025)
Stand With Crypto has been highly active in advocating for pro-crypto legislation in 2025. The group strongly supported and celebrated the GENIUS Act (federal stablecoin framework with 1:1 reserves, audits, transparency, and AML) as a major win for regulatory clarity and industry growth. It actively pushed for the CLARITY Act (classifying non-stablecoin digital assets like Bitcoin/Ethereum as commodities under CFTC, easing issuance and reducing SEC oversight), urging members to contact Senators to pass market structure legislation while protecting user rewards. The group aligns with broader pro-innovation efforts, including SEC approvals for in-kind ETF creations/redemptions and additional crypto ETPs (e.g., Solana, XRP). It has endorsed the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve concept (U.S. government BTC holdings via seizures) as part of securing U.S. leadership, and supported executive actions promoting crypto-AI convergence and preempting restrictive state rules. Overall focus is on “common-sense” regulation to keep innovation in America.
Financial Backers
Stand With Crypto was initiated and launched by Coinbase, which has provided significant support (e.g., initial infrastructure, promotion by CEO Brian Armstrong). It accepts donations from individuals (fiat/crypto), has minted supporter NFTs with proceeds going to advocacy, and partners with numerous crypto companies (viewable on their site). The affiliated PAC has raised funds from members and crypto-aligned sources. Specific donor lists are limited due to 501(c)(4) rules, but Coinbase executives and industry figures (e.g., via related super PACs like Fairshake) have contributed heavily to the broader ecosystem; no fully public comprehensive donor disclosure exists beyond general industry backing.
Target Market
The target audience includes the 52 million American crypto owners (younger, more diverse demographic), grassroots advocates, and crypto enthusiasts pushing for pro-innovation policies. The broader crypto political advocacy space is massive, with hundreds of millions in spending (e.g., industry super PACs raised over $200M+ for 2024 elections, continuing into 2026 midterms) fueled by the global crypto market exceeding $2 trillion.
Business and Revenue Model
As a 501(c)(4) nonprofit, Stand With Crypto relies on individual donations (fiat/crypto), NFT mint proceeds, partnerships with crypto companies, and community support to fund advocacy, grassroots mobilization, and policy efforts. It has a related PAC for direct political spending. The organization has grown rapidly (from launch to over 2M advocates) and remains donation-dependent with no traditional revenue streams. Annual revenue run rate is not publicly detailed but supported by crypto industry momentum and large-scale community engagement.
Founders and Board
Stand With Crypto was founded and launched by Coinbase in 2023, with strong involvement from Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong and Chief Policy Officer Faryar Shirzad (who announced the launch). It operates as an independent nonprofit but with clear Coinbase origins. Leadership includes Executive Director Logan Dobson (Republican consultant, hired in 2024). No formal board is publicly detailed; the organization emphasizes grassroots community and partnerships over a traditional board structure.
Brian Armstrong, Coinbase Co-Founder & CEO
Visionary tech entrepreneur and CEO of Coinbase, the leading U.S. cryptocurrency exchange. Co-founded Coinbase in 2012 to make crypto accessible. Strong advocate for pro-crypto policy, economic freedom, and U.S. innovation leadership. Launched Stand With Crypto to mobilize the community against overregulation.
Core Skills & Competencies
• Tech entrepreneurship and product development
• Policy advocacy and lobbying for crypto
• Community building and grassroots mobilization
• Business scaling in fintech/crypto
• Public speaking and media engagement
Professional Experience (Reverse Chronological)
• CEO & Co-Founder, Coinbase (2012–Current) – Built Coinbase into a major exchange; led through major growth cycles and policy fights.
• Prior roles: Software engineer at Airbnb; developer at IBM.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
• Co-Founded Coinbase – Now a public company (NASDAQ: COIN) valued in billions, serving millions of users.
Education
• B.S. in Economics, Rice University.
Known Political Contributions
Brian Armstrong and Coinbase have been major donors to pro-crypto causes, including millions to super PACs like Fairshake (e.g., Coinbase corporate donations of $45M+ to Fairshake in 2024 cycle). Armstrong personally donated to crypto-friendly candidates (bipartisan but focused on pro-innovation).
Additional Information
• Active on X (@brian_armstrong); frequent commentator on crypto policy.
• Committed $25M+ to Fairshake and support for Stand With Crypto growth to 4M advocates.
Logan Dobson – Executive Director
Professional Summary
Experienced Republican political strategist with over a decade in campaigns, data analytics, communications, public affairs, polling, research, and digital strategy. Former senior aide to U.S. Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Director of Data & Analytics at the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC). Currently Vice President at Targeted Victory, a leading GOP digital consulting firm, where he advises major corporate, association, and political clients on influencing public opinion and elected officials. Served as Executive Director of Stand With Crypto Alliance (2024–present), a 501(c)(4) nonprofit mobilizing the crypto community for pro-crypto policies, education, voter activation, and grassroots efforts in swing states. Expertise in get-out-the-vote initiatives, digital advertising, and bridging traditional politics with emerging issues like cryptocurrency.
Core Skills & Competencies
Campaign strategy and management
Data analytics and polling
Digital advertising and strategy
Communications and public affairs
Grassroots mobilization and voter turnout
Political consulting for corporate and advocacy clients
Professional Experience (Reverse Chronological)
Executive Director, Stand With Crypto Alliance (August 2024–Current) – Leads efforts to mobilize crypto voters through education, swing-state activations, voter registration, get-out-the-vote drives, and policy advocacy; oversees grassroots campaigns and state chapter presidents in battleground states (e.g., Arizona, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin).
Vice President, Targeted Victory (September 2022–Current) – Works in corporate practice to help clients influence public opinion, elected officials, and policy outcomes; focuses on public affairs, digital strategy, and major campaigns.
Director of Data & Analytics, National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) (2017–2018 cycle) – Oversaw data, analytics, polling, and digital advertising for Senate races.
Senior Aide/Staffer, Office of U.S. Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) (Capitol Hill, post-2014) – Served in various roles supporting the Senator’s office.
Prior Role, The Tarrance Group (nationally recognized polling and research firm) – Worked on polling, research, and strategic analysis.
Education
B.A. in Political Science, George Washington University (2007–2011). Activities included College Republicans and contributing to The GW Hatchet (student newspaper).
Known Political Contributions
Public FEC/OpenSecrets records show limited personal contributions directly attributable to this Logan Dobson (Washington, D.C.-based Republican consultant). No major individual donations of $200+ are prominently listed in searches for his profile. His work involves supporting Republican candidates and causes through professional roles (e.g., NRSC, Sen. Gardner), and he has been involved in PAC operations (e.g., listed as Treasurer for Stand With Crypto Alliance PAC, which received contributions from crypto-aligned donors). Any contributions are likely small-dollar or channeled through professional entities; no crypto-specific personal donations identified.
Additional Information
Active on X (@LoganDobson), where he discusses politics, crypto advocacy, and personal interests (e.g., boxing, Bay Area sports).
Described as a “proud alum” of NRSC, Sen. Cory Gardner, and The Tarrance Group.
Passionate about get-out-the-vote and mobilizing voters for emerging issues like cryptocurrency.
Family: Married with a son; lives in Washington, D.C.
Kara Calvert—Vice President, Head of U.S. Policy
Dynamic policy leader and organizer driving Stand with Crypto’s growth from launch to 2M+ supporters. Former Coinbase Government Affairs head with deep crypto regulatory experience; excels in coalition-building, digital advocacy, and bipartisan lobbying. Key in securing FIT21 passage and GENIUS Act momentum.
Core Skills & Competencies
Grassroots mobilization and voter advocacy
Crypto policy lobbying and legislative strategy
Coalition management across industry
Digital campaign tools and app development
Bipartisan congressional engagement
Professional Experience (Reverse Chronological)
Executive Director, Stand with Crypto (2023-Current) – Scaled to 2.6M supporters, launched scorecards/petitions influencing 2025 bills.
Head of U.S. Government Affairs, Coinbase (2021-2023) – Led D.C. team on FIT21, stablecoins; built industry coalitions.
Policy Advisor, Various tech/policy roles (prior advocacy in fintech).
Education
B.A. in Political Science (details limited publicly).
Active on X (@KaraCalvert1); podcast guest on crypto policy.
Faryar Shirzad, Coinbase Chief Policy Officer
Coinbase Chief Policy Officer overseeing Stand with Crypto strategy. Ex-Head of Regulatory at Coinbase; Wall Street to crypto bridge.
Core Skills & Competencies
Regulatory negotiations
D.C. lobbying
Fintech compliance
Professional Experience (Reverse Chronological)
CPO, Coinbase (2023-Current).
Head of Policy, Coinbase.
Goldman Sachs (prior).
Known Political Contributions
Coinbase-aligned.
Additional Information
LinkedIn active.
Editorial current analysis of Stand With Crypto
Stand With Crypto is a highly effective, industry-backed advocacy powerhouse that has successfully mobilized millions for pro-crypto policies. It excels at grassroots scaling, direct action (e.g., contacting lawmakers), politician scorecards, and leveraging digital tools for engagement. The organization’s strength lies in its massive community (over 2M advocates) and clear, unified push for regulatory clarity and innovation. It has played a key role in advancing 2025 wins like the GENIUS Act and CLARITY Act momentum, demonstrating real political impact.
Strengths in Execution and Scale
Stand With Crypto delivers tangible results through high-visibility campaigns, email/ call tools, NFT incentives, and politician tracking—turning abstract policy into actionable community pressure. Its bipartisan focus and emphasis on “common-sense” regulation have broadened appeal.
Critique: Industry-Driven vs. Pure Grassroots
While presented as grassroots, it was launched and heavily supported by Coinbase (with CEO Brian Armstrong’s direct involvement), raising questions about independence. Critics view it as astroturf—a top-down corporate effort to amplify industry interests, with funding/partnerships from crypto companies and limited transparency on exact backers (common for 501(c)(4)s). It prioritizes deregulation and “clarity” that benefits incumbents like Coinbase, often staying non-confrontational on industry risks (e.g., no strong calls for enhanced consumer protections or anti-monopoly measures). The focus on mobilizing users to support pro-crypto candidates feels more like a sophisticated political operation to secure favorable rules and donations than neutral advocacy.
Transparency and Influence
As a 501(c)(4), donor disclosure is minimal; heavy reliance on Coinbase and industry partners fuels skepticism about true independence. In a space with massive spending, it effectively channels community energy toward industry-aligned goals, but critics argue it replicates traditional lobbying tactics under a “decentralized” banner.
In summary, Stand With Crypto is a well-executed, high-impact pro-industry advocacy machine that has achieved significant political wins through scale and mobilization. It feels like a strategic arm of the crypto establishment (led by Coinbase) to win regulatory battles and elections, prioritizing industry growth over balanced critique or deep consumer protections. If it continues expanding, it could shape U.S. crypto policy for years, though at the cost of perceptions of corporate dominance.
Are we wrong here? If you think we are full of shit, click the Perplexity links above.
Comedic relief from the Democrats
“I think humor is one of the best avenues to get at the truth, maybe the best, especially in politics. When someone laughs, it is involuntary. So you can make the audience admit that they agree with you even if they really don’t want to. This is one of the issues I have with the left. They can’t stand to have to endure a moment of hearing something they don’t already agree with. Not that the right doesn’t do it, too, but the left does it worse.
Bill Maher with Ann Coulter.
I have liberal friends who just couldn’t stand that I invite conservative guests, such as Ann Coulter, on my show. Just think about what this is—that’s people who hate me for who I won’t hate. It’s in their psychological profile; they just have this need for virtue signaling and to have their friends—and I guess everybody on social media—think of them as good people. ‘We’re the good people. We know who’s good. And it’s us.’
There are people who are not particularly enamored with Trump, not blind to his many flaws, but they just feel that the crazy on the left is somehow worse. I don’t agree with them, but I get it. I don’t hate them for voting for him.
The young people also have no idea, no perspective. Of course, suppose they’ve gone to elite universities, i.e., asshole factories. In that case, they’ve been indoctrinated into this idea that they live in the worst country in the world at the worst time in history, when actually they live in, with all our flaws, we are still probably the best country in the world and indisputably in the best time in history.
Republicans will dominate the Democrats in elections as long as the Democratic Party fails to un-convince itself that it is this misunderstood vehicle for what people really want. They often say, when they lose elections, ‘We didn’t get our message out.’ Yes, you did! You got it out loud and clear. The voters just didn’t like it.’
—Bill Maher excerpt from his Wall Street Journal interview on Saturday.
Democrats need to dig deep in their hearts and figure this out because our country desperately needs a strong Democratic Party that returns to its non-violent, transparent, free-speech-loving, compassionate roots that is there to catch those falling through the cracks of society.
To accomplish this, you cannot rely on the new elites like the Clintons, the Obamas, Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer, George Clooney, and other Hollywood celebrities, the Soroses, Super Donors, and the people who just received Biden’s Presidential Medal of Freedom. They have absolutely no connection with the average American.
In the 2024 election, the Democratic Party lost the Hispanics, the youth, the working class, 7% fewer women than HRK, and 20% of the black vote. The ‘Obama era’ in American politics is officially over. As Bill Maher points out, you may think you can justify gaslighting voters and other bad behavior because Trump is the Crazy Man—But you just lost to the Crazy Man with a message that was Loud and Clear.
(Follow-up review of the above 2025 prediction published December 28, 2025.)
The reinvention of the Democratic Party
Our Call: Plea for Dems to ditch the elites and Super Donor class, and return to its peace and freedom-loving, working-class roots.
How We Did: This was more of an appeal than a prediction, but either way, it didn’t come true. Simply put, US citizens (as documented by Gallup Polls since 1999), no longer, and will never again, trust centralized institutions. In other words, the ‘We know better for you than you know for yourself’ smugness and cozying up to bored, aging actors, and people who live behind high walls surrounded by people with guns is political suicide.
The politics that will win in the New Era will provide a roadmap to returning power and privacy to The People. With dApps, AI, and the Bitcoin metaphor to power us, it will happen. That we promise. It took us 20 years to take-down corporate media led by YouTube and X (founded in 2005, and 2006 respectively)—and we think we can cut this timeline in half if not much less.
Our advice: We collectively need to abandon political labels (we have as a matter of editorial policy) and identifying too closely with any political party brand, as their nature and characterization have changed so dramatically none of the old definitions do not hold up anymore.
Reclaiming our identities back from corporate media, political parties, and the ideological swarms on social media is also a supreme exercise for better mental health, especially in the post-COVID era. Think how free we will feel living by our own talking points built upon our individual journeys, personal experiences, study and imagination.🫠
This is the basis for a winning political agenda in the Web3 era.
‘All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.’ Here we go again—Gook luck NYC!
Real estate Investment tip: Short Zohran
We will be buying a sweet flat in the West Village for our NY-editorial and podcast studio in the next few years, when we think the real estate market is close to bottoming out. Why? Well, one, we are Silicon Valley nerds who wish so desperately to be fashionable. And, two, soon there will be a City government whose agenda is more anti-Web3 and Animal Farm pig-likethan any Big City Mayor’s administration in the US. The Big Government, centralized power approach in the Web3 era is an anti-trend. The billions lost by fraud within Minnesota’s bureaucrat-run social services system is a case in point. Centralizing more power in NYC government will only lead to more chaos, fraud, and economic destruction—and keep deflating real estate prices—in the City we all love.
Our Call: Trump makes U.S. ‘Crypto Capital’ with regs, Bitcoin reserve, and preempts restrictions on AI innovation
How We Did: Textbook execution. The Bogeyman delivered on his promise to position the US as the undisputed ‘Crypto Capital of the World.’
Key US achievements in 2025:
The Strategic Bitcoin Reserve: In 2025, the US government’s BTC holdings grew from 200,000 to 327,000 BTC—worth $28.8 billion as of 12/26/25—accumulated via government seizures and forfeitures. The US is the largest holder of BTC, followed by China at 194,000 BTC and the UK with ~61,000 BTC.
The Digital Asset Market Clarity Act (CLARITY Act) provided entrepreneurs with crucial regulatory clarity by classifying non-stablecoin digital assets, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and genuine utility tokens, as commodities under CFTC oversight rather than SEC securities. Founders can now issue and distribute utility tokens more freely to fund projects, reward users, and build networks without fear of retroactive enforcement.
GENIUS Act: Passed the first comprehensive federal framework for dollar-backed stablecoins, requiring 1:1 reserves, audits, transparency, and anti-money laundering compliance.
The SEC, under new leadership, approved in-kind creations/redemptions for spot Bitcoin/Ether ETFs, generic listing standards for additional crypto ETPs (paving the way for Solana, XRP, Dogecoin, and more), and over 15 new ETFslaunched or streamlined.
US adult crypto ownership climbed to ~28% (up from ~20% pre-administration), driven by regulatory certainty, institutional inflows, and ETF accessibility. America is now firmly on track to become the global hub for digital assets — innovation thriving, dollar dominance reinforced by stablecoins, and strategic reserves secured.
