While one of the new Coinbase directors has a wealth of experience in the management consulting industry, the other two have previously served under US presidents.
Coinbase has expanded its board of directors with three new members, including a top OpenAI executive who once served as a political strategist for US President Bill Clinton in the 1990s.
On July 25, Coinbase announced that Chris Lehane had been appointed as one of 10 directors on its board.
Lehane was Clinton’s Democratic strategist in 1992, immediately preceding the commencement of Clinton’s two-term tenure from 1993 to 2001.
He also played a critical role in facilitating the legalization of the home-sharing marketplace Airbnb in all 50 states of the United States and around the globe.
At OpenAI, Lehane serves as Vice President of Public Works.
“With countries around the world developing new rules that embrace crypto’s potential to update the financial system, Chris will provide strategic counsel to Coinbase’s leadership as the company works to make onchain the new online,” said Coinbase.
Before becoming a member of Coinbase’s board, Lehane was already a member of the Global Advisory Council.
Christa Davies, the former chief financial officer of management consulting firm Aon, and Paul Clement, a former partner at law firm Clement and Murphy and a former solicitor general for the Bush administration, are among the two additional directors who will be joining the board.
Davies, who previously served as the chief financial officer of Microsoft’s platforms and services division, will provide support to Coinbase’s financial operations and serve on the company’s audit and compliance committee.
Clement has been one of the most frequently appearing attorneys before the US Supreme Court this century, having argued over 100 cases. His former law firm specialized in litigation.
His services could be beneficial in Coinbase’s ongoing legal dispute with the US securities regulator.
Clement also served as the US Solicitor General to President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009.
Also, he will aid Davies with Coinbase’s audit and compliance committee.
The three new Coinbase board members are optimistic that digital assets can enhance financial inclusion for all, with a particular emphasis on marginalized groups.
In addition, Lehane stated:
“I am excited to support Coinbase as they continue to advocate for the 52 million Americans who own crypto (over-indexing on young people of color) and work to democratize the benefits of capitalism so more people can keep their fair share of the economic pie.”