We started in 2019 as a handful of friends sitting around a table at a WeWork in Boston. We had a big idea: Boston could be a global hub for the blockchain industry, thanks to our roots in finance, our deep tech expertise, and our world-leading academic network.
Today we are a global community of over 3,500 blockchain enthusiasts, from institutions to startups, from developers to investors, from educators to students. What we share is a passion for how blockchain technology is changing the world.
What We Do
We Educate:
Through our events, workshops, and learning sessions, we help our members and the broader community learn about the many ways in which blockchain technology can be used to solve real-market problems.
We Advocate:
We collaborate directly with state lawmakers to pursue balanced and informed legislation for the blockchain sector. Through education and dialogue, we help shape policies that bolster innovation while making Massachusetts a national leader in blockchain.
We Collaborate:
We provide a platform for our members to network and share ideas. Whether you're looking to find your next job opportunity, meet potential business partners, or simply meet other blockchain enthusiasts, the BBA is the perfect place for you.
We Cultivate:
We connect student blockchain clubs to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange. We connect students with companies hiring for internships and job placements. And we spotlight groundbreaking research, bridging the gap between academia and the blockchain industry.
We Celebrate:
We mark the milestones that show our progress – both our individuals, and our industry. We celebrate not just the technological achievements, but the people behind them – the diverse visionaries that make the Boston blockchain scene so special.
Who We Are
Doug Mehne
Board Chair
Doug, who joined BBA in 2021, spearheads our growth and strategy, drawing from his 20 years in the fintech sector. He envisions the BBA as a nexus for tech, innovation, and the unique Boston community, promoting shared blockchain knowledge and practices.
Sam Nathans
Board Vice-Chair
An early BBA member, Sam was pivotal in shaping the organization's virtual events. His decade-long expertise in decentralized tech guides the BBA's long-term goals, drawing inspiration from the blend of technology, philosophy, and economics.
Mike Wise
Head of Partnerships
Mike champions the BBA's global presence in the blockchain and Web3 spaces. Having witnessed blockchain's potential firsthand, he dedicates his extensive experience in technological transition to foster the BBA's educational mission. Mike envisions blockchain as a staple in the future business tech stack, with BBA leading the transformative wave.
Heather Lowe
Secretary
Heather, who returned to Boston in 2022, plays a crucial role in nurturing BBA's community values. As a Senior Attorney at Gravis Law, she aids blockchain startups, emphasizing the importance of stimulating discussions within the BBA community.
Eric Roux
Treasurer
A founding BBA member, Eric has been instrumental in the organization's trajectory. Having returned from Europe amidst the blockchain boom, he’s dedicated 15 years to leadership in non-profits, believing in blockchain's transformative institutional potential.
John Hargrave
Membership Committee Chair
A founding member of the BBA, John currently helms the Membership Committee, ensuring a warm welcome and active engagement for all BBA members. He is a blockchain believer, as told in his bestselling book, “Blockchain for Everyone.”
Vijay Kesavan
Technology Committee Chair
Vijay, who joined BBA in 2021, chairs the technology committee, addressing the technology needs of BBA. He strongly believes in the financial inclusion outcomes of blockchain technology. The Boston community of fintech giants are great partners to the BBA to deliver these outcomes.
AJ Debole
Strategic Development Committee Chair
Since joining the BBA in 2022, AJ has been pivotal in shaping strategic initiatives, such as the Association’s technology platforms. She's a staunch believer in the power of blockchain to foster a transparent and equitable global economy.
Volunteering for the BBA
We are a volunteer-led organization. If you’re interested in joining the BBA as a volunteer, we have opportunities for all skill levels – Technology, Event Programming, Volunteer outreach, Marketing and Communications, Membership, Student and Academic ambassadors, and more.
Volunteering for the BBA is a great way to grow your personal network, share your expertise, and give back to the community.
