The GBA Recognizes Blockchain Trailblazers

The Government Blockchain Association (GBA) continues its tradition of presenting the Annual Achievement Awards to individuals and organizations that are using blockchain to solve public sector problems. Presented in Washington, DC on May 24, 2023, this year’s class of achievement award winners included:

• Rosemarie McClean, Chief Executive Officer, and Dino Cataldo Dell’Accio, Chief Information Officer received the award on behalf of the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF), the Organization Award for a digital identity solution that enabled over 23,000 retirees across 180 countries, to provide their proof of life, using blockchain and biometrics technologies. Their innovative solution helped streamlining the pension administration process, reduce errors, and improve the overall client experience.
• Pradeep Goel is a blockchain innovator and thought leader in the healthcare industry. He was presented the Courage award for his unwavering dedication to helping war-ravaged refugees in the Ukraine conflict. At great personal risk and cost he stayed in Ukraine to establish the “Care Shelter” project, which has built more than 10 shelters, accommodating 1100 beds, and serving over 2500 people.
• Jon Trask received the Social Impact award for the work his company, Dimitra, did to transform global farming: fighting hunger, reducing deforestation, and enhancing crop yield. Their Blockchain/AI solution aids farmers in climate-ravaged areas. Satellite analysis combats soil degradation and boosts freshwater efficiency. Dimitra’s applications serve 16 countries, and its token grants access to needy farmers. Jon grew the firm to 150 members, advancing software for optimal farming decisions.
• Mike Kanovitz earned the Innovation award for his revolutionary technology that integrates blockchain with legal court processes, previously unthinkable. His innovation expands beyond a Bitcoin fork, empowering creators with smart contract tools, facilitating NFT swaps, and enabling cross-chain transactions. Interface with courts adds security against fraud.
• Sary Qasim received the leadership award in recognition for the exceptional GBA team he assembled in the Middle East / North Africa region. He has led the charge for adoption of the Blockchain Maturity Model (BMM) in an exceptional manner and established several strategic relationships in and among various regional stakeholders.

This year’s winners join an impressive list of former winners including:

• El Salvador President Najib Bukele for his courageous adoption of Bitcoin as legal tender
• US Congressional Senior Staff, Bill Rockwood for his legislative leadership
• Utah County Commissioner Amelia Powers for conducting the first US Presidential Election on a blockchain based voting system and using blockchain for the issuance of local government vital records.
• Illinois Vice Mayor Kathleen Alcorn received the Social Impact award for her work on legislation that focuses on emerging technologies and public health.  Her bill mandated mental health care for all primary and secondary school students, equipping them with the tools needed to thrive.
• Maven Federal Credit Union (MFCU) CEO, Joseph Lowe was awarded the Innovation award for founding the USA’s first blockchain credit union. Operating within the regulations of the National Credit Union Administration and the Federal Credit Union Act, MFCU aims to simplify banking complexities and punitive services prevalent in the industry.

The next award ceremony will be in September 2023 during the Blockchain & Infrastructure conference where the GBA will recognize blockchain solutions that have been evaluated using the GBA’s Blockchain Maturity Model (BMM) and have earned the credential as a “Trusted Blockchain Solution”.

To learn more about the upcoming Blockchain Solution Awards, please email BMM@GBAglobal.org.