About - IDAI

The Institute

The Institute for Digital Asset Innovation (IDAI) is a global nonprofit advancing responsible innovation across digital governance, industrial systems, and emerging technologies. The Institute strengthens the connection between innovation, governance, and industry. IDAI works with global partners to shape standards, expand digital capacity, and accelerate applied innovation for a secure and inclusive digital economy.

Executive Directors

Leadership

Kevin Jackson

Executive Director
Kevin Jackson leads IDAI’s global strategy and partnerships. He is a former U.S. Navy officer and recognized expert in secure cloud adoption, cybersecurity, and digital transformation.

Gerard Dache

Director, Center for Digital Governance & Security
Gerard Dache directs IDAI’s Center for Digital Governance and Security. He is a global leader in blockchain policy, digital trust frameworks, and cross-border compliance.

Bryant Nielson

Director, Center for Professional Certification
Bryant Nielson directs IDAI’s Center for Professional Certification. He is a global leader in blockchain policy, digital trust frameworks, and cross-border compliance.

David Beck

Director, Center for Industrial Innovation & Systems
David Beck leads the Center for Industrial Innovation and Systems. His work spans biotech, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and applied research commercialization.

Lisa Oliva

Director, Center for Small Business Digital Innovation
Lisa Oliva supports small businesses through digital asset adoption, tokenized commerce, and on-chain financial tools that strengthen local economies.

Dr. Christopher W. Smithmyer

Director, Center for Digital Economy & Emerging Technology
Dr. Christopher Smithmyer leads IDAI’s work in digital assets, tokenization, and applied AI. His programs help institutions adopt secure and scalable digital-economy solutions.

Annu Chemata Venkata

Community & Operations Manager
Annu manages IDAI’s community operations, DAO coordination, and daily workflows that support program delivery and member engagement.

Kevin Jackson

Executive Director

Kevin Jackson leads IDAI?s global strategy and partnerships. He is a former U.S. Navy officer and recognized expert in secure cloud adoption, cybersecurity, and digital transformation.

Gerard Dache

Director, Center for Digital Governance & Security

Gerard Dache directs IDAI?s Center for Digital Governance and Security. He is a global leader in blockchain policy, digital trust frameworks, and cross-border compliance.

Bryant Nielson

Director, Center for Professional Certification

Bryant Nielson directs IDAI’s Center for Professional Certification. He is a global leader in blockchain policy, digital trust frameworks, and cross-border compliance.

David Beck

Director, Center for Industrial Innovation & Systems

David Beck leads the Center for Industrial Innovation and Systems. His work spans biotech, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and applied research commercialization.

Paul Dowding

Director, Center for Digital Economy & Emerging Technologies

Paul Dowding leads IDAI?s work in digital assets, tokenization, and applied AI. His programs help institutions adopt secure and scalable digital-economy solutions.

Lisa Oliva

Director, Center for Small Business Digital Innovation

Lisa Oliva supports small businesses through digital asset adoption, tokenized commerce, and on-chain financial tools that strengthen local economies.

Annu Chemata Venkata

Community & Operations Manager

Annu manages IDAI?s community operations, DAO coordination, and daily workflows that support program delivery and member engagement.

IDAI Advisory Board

The IDAI Advisory Board includes leaders from government, industry, and academia who provide strategic guidance on technology policy, innovation, and governance. Their insight keeps IDAI at the forefront of global digital transformation.

Our Experts & Fellows

Our Fellows network includes researchers, innovators, and professionals who collaborate on applied research, policy design, and pilot programs. Fellows contribute to IDAI?s publications, educational programs, and thought leadership initiatives.