Amanda Wick
Founder and CEO
Michelle O’Connor
Chief Marketing Officer
Yari Farias
Director of Operations
Margaret Hyde
Director of Communications
Michelle O’Connor
Chief Marketing 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.
Alex Pellin
Board Member
Ayana Murphy
Board Member
Beth Bisbee
Board Member
Gabriella Kusz
Board Member
Jane Khodarkovsky
Board Member
Mike Carter
Board Member
Samantha Pelosi, JD
Board Member
Steve Vallas
Board Member
Alex Pellin
Board Member
Originally from Moldova, Alex has been living in California since 2010. He combines legal and publishing expertise, having obtained a Masters Degree in Criminal Law and Editorial Logistics from the State University of Moldova.
Alex has spent 8 years in proptech, building two real estate startups and launching a real estate technology and innovation conference. Following his success, he transitioned into Financial Services by launching Fintech Retreat - a Chatham House rule gathering for government agencies, VCs, fintechs, academics and financial institutions.
Currently, Alex serves as the founder of TET Events, hosting gatherings such as the International Fintech and DeFi Retreats that promote collaboration and responsible innovation in the financial services space globally. Alex has worked with some of the largest financial institutions, reputable VC firms, regulators, policy makers, law enforcement agencies and innovative fintech companies from the US and Europe.
TET Events also operates The Financial Club, a diverse community of leaders in financial services and The Financial Columnist, a financial services publication featuring critical pieces by thought leaders in the space.
A self-taught SAAS product manager, ex-drummer and casual DJ, Alex’s interests extend beyond his professional pursuits.