Welcome to the Maryland Blockchain Association, a pioneering organization dedicated to promoting blockchain technology’s awareness, understanding, and application across Maryland. Our mission is to create a robust ecosystem that fosters innovation, collaboration, and education for individuals, businesses, and educational institutions interested in the transformative potential of blockchain technology.
Our Mission
Education
The Maryland community about blockchain technology and its potential to revolutionize industries, governance, and societal structures.
Innovating
By supporting blockchain startups and projects that have the potential to positively impact Maryland and beyond.
Researching
Areas of need within the community to provide resources to support the outcomes of the targeted surveys and research for the growth of blockchain technology and digital assets.
Advocating
For favorable policies and regulations that support the growth of blockchain technology and digital assets.
Leadership
Jacqueline Cooper, JD, MA LDT, NBCT, CCI, BMM:
Chief Executive Officer
Jacqueline Cooper, a visionary leader with a deep-rooted passion for blockchain technology and its capacity to drive positive change.
Jacqueline Cooper brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Maryland Blockchain Association. She has a Masters from Notre Dame of Maryland University (MA LDT). She is a National Board Certified Teacher in the area of Exceptional Needs Specialist/Early Childhood Through Young Adult. She is dedicated to inclusion as well as the development of work skills and career opportunities for youth, young adults and career switchers. She is certified in the areas of cryptocurrency investigations as well as an Assessor for the Blockchain Maturity Model (www.gbaglobal.org). She is a Partner at Cogent Law Group (licensed in District of Columbia). She has over a decade of experience in leadership roles and is now applying this to supporting the next generation of leaders within the blockchain community. She is the author of the Bitcoin Cinderella blockchain adventure series, the Essential Digital Asset Organizer for Attorneys & Consumers and other references books for consumers, non profits, businesses and attorneys (available on Amazon). Finally, her major at Vassar College laid the foundation for her blockchain journey as it was multi-disciplinary in the area of Science, Technology & Society.
Before founding the Maryland Blockchain Association, Jacqueline co-founded the Blockchain Legal Institute (www.bli.tools), a centralized library for the decentralized community, where she is the CEO. She is also an internationally recognized author and Talk Show Host. Her expertise spans across various blockchain platforms and applications, including cryptocurrencies, smart contracts, and decentralized finance (DeFi). She is a Media Ambassador for the Global Business Blockchain Council. She is the Co-Chair of the Government Blockchain Association’s Legal Working Group and the GBA Talk Show Host. As a result of her work in this community, the Maryland Blockchain Association is also now part of the U.S. Blockchain Coalition.
A Maryland native, Jacqueline is deeply committed to her community. She envisions the Association as a platform to bridge the gap between blockchain technology and practical, real-world applications that benefit the local economy and society.
Under her leadership, the association is designed to support the vibrant community of blockchain enthusiasts, professionals, and advocates. Jacqueline’s strategic vision focuses on education, policy advocacy, and fostering innovation to ensure Maryland becomes a leading hub for blockchain technology.
Additional team members guiding the Association include
Patrina Pelton-Smith, Business of Charity
Non-Profit Consultant with 20+ years of non-profit experience to include administering organizational and grant budgets of 1+ million, grant oversight and donor relations.
Cameron Browne, Darien Advisors
Darien Advisors is the Maryland Blockchain Association’s Tax Consultants. Darien Advisors is a team of professionals with collective experience of support for businesses within the blockchain, DAO and cryptocurrency community.
Anthony Howell
Director and Foreign Overseas Representative of the Government of Bermuda Washington, District of Columbia, United States.
Honorary Advisor: John Curley www.feinandcurley.com
ERLINDA A. DOHERTY, MPP
Erlinda is a seasoned public policy expert with over 20 years of experience advising leaders on emerging technology issues like AI, blockchain, and digital assets, while also shaping policy through strategic relationships and advocacy campaigns at both the state and federal levels.
Richard Goodhue. Maryland Blockchain Association Newsletter Co-Editor & Research Volunteer
Richard is a blockchain developer with a main focus on smart contracts. He is passionate about innovative technologies and learning multiple coding languages.
Ralph Benko, Strategic Honorary Advisor to MDBA
Ralph has consulted in the areas of: Emerging Tech, AI, hyperdimensional computing, strategic communications, law, finance, public and government relations. He is also an author and Hacker Noon Contributing Writer, Newsmax weekly columnist and Co Founder, Director & General Counsel of F1R3FLY Industries Inc. Seattle, Metro DC, London & NYC.
Join Us
Whether you’re a blockchain novice, a seasoned developer, or an organization interested in exploring blockchain’s potential, the Maryland Blockchain Association welcomes you. Join us to be at the forefront of blockchain innovation and to make a lasting impact on Maryland’s technological landscape.
