Shortly after assuming my role at the Electric Coin Co., I pioneered the inception of PGP* (Pretty Good Policy) for Crypto, a forward-thinking advocacy platform dedicated to nurturing intelligent discourse around cryptocurrency policy. Under this banner, I have successfully spearheaded three cornerstone initiatives:• PGP* for Crypto Breakfast & Roundtable: This is an exclusive, invitation-only monthly event for policy stakeholders from diverse backgrounds. It provides a vibrant ecosystem where industry experts can network and deliberate on pressing issues and the latest developments in the crypto policy sphere. The discussions fostered here are characterized by deep insights and a pulse on the evolving landscape.• PGP* for Crypto Podcast: Through this series of video podcast interviews, Mr. Brigner explores the intricate intersections of blockchain technology with public policy and global regulatory dynamics. The podcast has become a hub of knowledge, featuring a rich roster of guests who share their unique insights on the industry's opportunities and challenges.• PGP* for Crypto Briefings: These are periodic policy briefings curated with a spotlight on vital crypto policy issues. A special emphasis is given to portraying the essence of privacy, underscoring it as a foundational principle of cryptocurrencies. Through these briefings, stakeholders gain an enriched understanding of the pivotal role privacy plays in the crypto space.The “PGP” reference is in homage to Pretty Good Privacy encryption and is carried over from Electric Coin Co.’s longstanding Pretty Good Pancakes breakfasts held in conjunction with industry events. As the first freely distributed, high quality public-key cryptography system, PGP was a widely used tool among cypherpunks for privacy protection and has had a major influence on the development of cryptocurrencies.

I work to elevate Electric Coin Co.'s (ECC’s) profile and influence in the cryptocurrency policy ecosystem. In line with ECC’s core belief that “Privacy is Normal,” I lead initiatives engaging a broad range of industry stakeholders, including regulators and lawmakers, to foster acceptance of this philosophy in the policy and regulatory environment. I frequently represent ECC at high-level meetings such as public forums, industry panels, and government discussions, conveying the organization’s perspective and its role in the industry.With a deep understanding of the policy and regulatory landscape, I guide ECC in navigating potential challenges, identifying and mitigating risks effectively. A significant part of my role includes collaboration with academics, think tanks, and industry groups, primarily through the PGP* (Pretty Good Policy) for Crypto initiative. This collaboration involves building strong connections that aid policy efforts and establishing networks of internal and external partnerships that promote privacy in the digital currency industry.

The CyberSMART Research Center is an NSF-chartered Industry/University Collaborative Research Center on blockchain and cybersecurity. See https://cybersmartcenter.org/

Mr. Brigner initially served as the Managing Director of Georgetown University's Security and Software Engineering Research Center (S2ERC) and the Blockchain Technology and Ecosystem Design Research (B-TED) Center. He was responsible for fund raising, member relationships and overall management of these National Science Foundation Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers. He shifted to a supporting role as Senior Fellow when he joined the Chamber of Digital Commerce in June 2018.

Developed the module on smart contracts for Georgetown's School of Continuing Studies Certificate in Blockchain Technology Management.

Paul Brigner was the technology policy lead and strategist at the Chamber of Digital Commerce, a trade association that represents the world’s leading innovators, operators and investors in the digital asset and blockchain technology ecosystem, including start-ups, software companies, financial institutions and investment firms. He worked closely with the Chamber’s executive leadership to evaluate, develop, and promote legislative proposals for the blockchain industry.He was responsible for a number of the Chamber’s core member engagement initiatives and working groups. He managed multiple projects for the Chamber’s policy team, including the drafting, review and submission of regulatory filings worldwide, and he was the point of contact for key stakeholder relationships with academic institutions, think tanks, and technologists.Mr. Brigner’s policy and regulatory focus at the chamber included cybersecurity, intellectual property, tax, accounting, insurance, commodities and securities.

Paul Brigner served as the Regional Director of the North American Bureau at the Internet Society where he led the full range of regional operational activities across Internet Society's functional and programmatic areas in the United States and Canada, including public policy, technology, capacity building, and membership and resource development. Mr. Brigner maintained a special focus on cybersecurity and privacy by hosting multiple events on those topics and producing a documentary video called The Internet Exposed: Encryption, Backdoors and Privacy – and the Quest to Maintain Trust (available on YouTube). He also managed the webcast of numerous events to establish the Internet Society’s Livestream channel, which became one of the organization’s most effective means to communicate with its members around the world.

As the principal technologist and technology policy strategist for the MPAA, Brigner helped develop the Association’s strategy on key technology issues impacting the protection of intellectual property. He was also engaged in the continued development of industry-wide content standards that enable consumers to easily access content in the digital age, and he served as the Association’s liaison to technologists at member studios and technology-related organizations.

Responsible for identifying and assessing emerging technology policy issues through an ongoing dialog with research institutes and think tanks. Served as an advocate for Verizon's regulatory policy positions at the Federal Communications Commission. Responsible for a broad range of FCC proceedings involving broadband, video, homeland security, and emerging technologies.

Managed a team of software architects to develop and implement the technical architecture strategy for the Wholesale Services Group. Implemented high-availability and disaster recovery architectures for critical ordering systems and worked to standardize the organization’s application messaging infrastructure.

Lead software architect and project manager for the development of many Java/J2EE enterprise software solutions for clients across a variety of industries.

Attended USMAPS. Appointed to the United States Military Academy. Trained with the Infantry at Fort Benning, Georgia. Awarded the Army Achievement Medal.