Introducing Paradigm’s Policy Council

We at Paradigm believe crypto is changing the world. Today’s builders will democratize finance, create a more equitable internet, and bring about tools that will help humans seamlessly exchange goods, services, and information trustlessly. In the next decade, we will see innovations in every part of our society — from consumer protection to national security, politics to sports, gaming, and more.

That’s why we are excited to announce the first iteration of the Paradigm Policy Council, an impressive group of bipartisan talent with a diverse set of experiences. This team will advise Paradigm’s leadership team and help us tell the story of Web3 in Washington and around the world. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome them to the conversation.

Senior Advisors

Paul Ryan

Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives (R-WI)

Paul Ryan was the 54th Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. Serving in this role from October 2015 to January 2019, he was the youngest speaker in nearly 150 years. During his tenure, Ryan spearheaded efforts to reform the nation’s tax code, rebuild its national defense, expand domestic energy production, and promote economic opportunity. In 2012, he was selected to serve as Governor Mitt Romney’s Vice-Presidential nominee. Currently, Ryan is Partner at Solamere Capital, Vice Chair of Teneo, adjunct Professor of Economics at the University of Notre Dame, and a Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.

Chris Brummer

Director of Georgetown University’s Institute of International Economic Law

Chris Brummer is Williams Research Professor and Faculty Director of Georgetown’s Institute of International Economic Law. Professor Brummer recently concluded a three-year term as a member of the National Adjudicatory Council of FINRA, an organization empowered by Congress to regulate the securities industry, where his work was praised as making a significant contribution to advancing investor protection. He also currently serves as a Scholar in Residence and Senior Advisor to Paradigm.

Council Members

Marta Belcher

Special Counsel at the Electronic Frontier Foundation

Marta Belcher is counsel to the Electronic Frontier Foundation on a variety of matters related to civil liberties, blockchain, intellectual property, and decentralized technologies, including assisting EFF in interfacing with regulators and legislators. Marta is also the Chair and President of the Filecoin Foundation and the as General Counsel and Head of Policy at Protocol Labs.

Deb Callahan

Former President of the League of Conservation Voters

Deb Callahan is an American environmental and political leader and former leader of the League of Conservation Voters, where she served as president for 10 years. She is currently the founder and president of North Star Strategy, offering strategic consulting services to campaigns and the nonprofit and foundation sectors on environmental policy, politics, advocacy, communications, and philanthropic initiatives.

Makan Delrahim

Former U.S. Assistant Attorney General for the U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division

Makan Delrahim is a partner at Latham & Watkins LLP and former Assistant Attorney General at DOJ, where he oversaw the review and resolution of hundreds of mergers and acquisitions, as well as more than 100 criminal investigations and indictments. He is a respected thought leader on the interplay of antitrust and emerging technologies, including digital media, communications, and blockchain.

Nicole Elam

President and CEO of the National Bankers Association

Nicole A. Elam, Esq. is President and CEO of the National Bankers Association, the premier trade association and voice for the nation’s minority financial institutions. She has worked in public policy and public affairs for more than 17 years, including as vice president and government relations manager at JPMorgan Chase & Co. where she led efforts on the firm’s commitment to advance racial equity and drive inclusive economic growth.

Steve Israel

Former U.S. Representative (D-NY) and former chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee

Steve Israel served in the U.S. Congress between 2001-2017, including 4 years as chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (2011–2015). In Congress he created the House Center Aisle Caucus and was recognized as a leader on national security issues and the Middle East. He is currently the Director of the nonpartisan Institute of Politics and Global Affairs at Cornell University. In 2021, he opened a small independent bookshop, Theodore’s Books, in his historic hometown of Oyster Bay, fulfilling a lifelong dream.

Parker Poling

Partner at Harbinger Strategies and former Chief of Staff to the Chief Deputy Whip of the US. House of Representatives.

Parker Poling has 20 years of senior staff experience at the highest levels of government and politics. She is the former executive director of the National Republican Congressional Committee. From 2007-2018, Poling served as Chief of Staff to Congressman Patrick McHenry (R-NC), first in his personal office and then in the Office of the Chief Deputy Whip. She has deep knowledge of the banking and financial services sector.