Our
Staff
Amanda Wick
Founder and CEO
Michelle O’Connor
Chief Strategic Officer
Yari Farias
Director of Operations
Michelle O’Connor
Chief Strategic Officer
Michelle O'Connor is the Vice President of Brand & Communications at TaxBit, a prominent industry leader in tax and accounting for digital assets. With her expertise and passion, Michelle is a powerhouse that spearheads all marketing and public relations efforts to position TaxBit as a force to be reckoned with.
Michelle's impact extends far beyond her role at TaxBit. As the Expansion Chair at NYC Women in FinTech, she drives the growth and empowerment of women in the financial technology sector. Her commitment to fostering innovation led her to serve on the Board of Directors of Crypto Connect and the Blockchain Steering Committee of the Washington Technology Industry Association (WTIA), where she actively shapes the future of these emerging technologies.
Renowned as a seasoned speaker, Michelle captivates audiences with her deep knowledge and insights into the realms of crypto, web3, and fintech. Throughout her impressive 20-year career, she has graced numerous prestigious conferences, establishing herself as a subject matter expert in these cutting-edge fields.
A seasoned technology and financial services executive, Michelle is the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives & Global Communications at TaxBit. In this role, she leads all marketing and public relations to elevate TaxBit’s brand as an industry leader. Her team promotes an inclusive culture, driving engagement, and encouraging thought leadership and collaboration.
In addition to her role at TaxBit, Michelle is a well-known FinTech leader, Voted top 30 FinTech Marketer and Leading Web3 Executive.
She is passionate about improving access to financial services for the unbanked and has a proven track record of leading brand management, marketing communications, and community building in the FinTech space.
Before joining TaxBit, she was the VP of Marketing and Community at Uphold, a digital money platform. In that role, she developed and implemented the brand’s marketing strategy, brought cohesion and intention to the brand voice, and facilitated Uphold’s online community. She also managed public relations, content marketing and development, and social media strategy.
Michelle is also the Expansion Chair of NYC FinTech Women, a founding member of the Association Women in Crypto member, advisor for The Financial Club and Blockchain steering committee of WTIA.
Our
Board
Ayana Murphy
Board Member
Beth Bisbee
Board Member
Gabriella Kusz
Board Member
Mike Carter
Board Member
Steve Vallas
Board Member
Steve Vallas
Board Member
Steve is a qualified lawyer and a seasoned strategist in the fields of blockchain technology and management. His early adoption of social channels, combined with a lifelong dedication to studying economics and emerging technologies, has uniquely positioned him to have a profound understanding of the evolving blockchain technology and its far-reaching impact across industries.
Currently holding the prestigious position of Managing Director at Blockchain APAC, he also serves as a Digital Assets advisor at Zerocap and contributes his expertise as an APAC advisor at the GDF Global Blockchain Business Council. Notably, he previously held the esteemed role of CEO at Blockchain Australia.
Throughout his career, his impact has played an instrumental role in shaping the digital assets landscape in Australia. He has actively engaged with key Australian regulators, including the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, Commonwealth Treasury, ACCC, AUSTRAC, and the Reserve Bank of Australia. His valuable insights have influenced Australian Senate hearings and advisory panels like the ASIC Digital Finance Advisory Panel and the Council of Financial Regulators.
His influence extends beyond Australia, as he collaborates with authorities in New Zealand, such as the Financial Services Council, Reserve Bank of New Zealand, Department of Internal Affairs, and Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment.
Internationally, he has forged connections with esteemed institutions, including the US Federal Reserve and the US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. He is known for fostering partnerships and sharing knowledge with organizations like the German Ministry of Economics, APEC, Blockchain Ireland, and the South Korean National Assembly.
Steven is deeply committed to driving innovation and championing regulatory clarity within the digital asset ecosystem.
Our
Ambassadors
