Bitcoin Magazine would like to congratulate Jon Matonis on his new role of Executive Director of the Bitcoin Foundation. Jon Matonis has served as an advocate for the Bitcoin currency and a source of insight for cryptocurrencies and general matters of finance and politics. Prior to assuming his position as Executive Director, Jon Matonis served on the Board of Directors for the Bitcoin Foundation. He currently is a regular contributor to Forbes and is the editor of The Monetary Future economics blog and has not only a passion for but understanding of the ins and outs of the Bitcoin currency.

Jon serves as a member of the Bitcoin Magazine Editorial Board and has contributed articles to the print magazine and website. Prior to getting heavily involved in the Bitcoin currency, Jon served as the CEO of Hushmail and Chief FX Dealer at Visa. Prior to accepting his new appointment of Executive Director of the Bitcoin Foundation, Jon was a board member holding the officer role of board secretary.

So why the shift from Frm. Executive Director, Peter Vessenes, to Jon Matonis? The specifics are not yet out in the open, but members of the board carefully made this decision in the best interest of the Bitcoin Foundation and Bitcoin community. Why was Jon a prime candidate for the job? Jon has a wide ranging appeal among the BTC community and proven business leadership experience as a former CEO and Chief FX Dealer. Today, Peter Vessenes released the following welcoming Jon and stepping down from his current role to get further involved in his CoinLab project.

Peter Vessenes Jul 08 2013

I want to share some good news; we’re expanding.

As of today, Jon Matonis has accepted my offer to join us as Executive Director of the Bitcoin Foundation. He starts immediately, although he’ll take a few months to ramp up to full time.

This is a coup for the Foundation. I believe Jon’s work experience and passion for Bitcoin will combine into something awesome here. I’m excited!

Since we can’t have two Executive Directors, this means I’ll be giving up my ED title. Practically, this will have zero impact on my day-to-day with the Foundation; since we’ve launched, I’ve spent about one day a week in my senior leadership role at the Foundation, spending the other four on CoinLab’s paying work. I will continue to put in that time, but now I will be able to rely on Jon managing and growing the organization; this will allow me to do more of what I think I should be doing — strategizing, building relationships, fundraising and speaking.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with Jon so far; he’s smart, often contrarian, and cares very much about our mission. I imagine we won’t always agree, but the last year has made for a productive beginning to a partnership, and I have a feeling the entire Bitcoin community will benefit from this hire. Welcome, Jon!

Finally, I would like to draw your attention to the upcoming elections for our two additional board seats; there is still time to join and get the right to nominate someone for either an Industry seat or an Individual seat. We will be making announcements about the upcoming elections this week. We have seen some very strong candidates come forward for these seats, but what can I say? I’d like to see more, and I hope you’ll join us. I’m looking forward to welcoming more people to share the fun work of spreading out across the Globe.

Bitcoin Magazine would like to thank Peter for his service and wish Jon all the best on his new role! The Bitcoin Foundation also announced that they will be holding board elections soon for 1 individual and 1 industry seat.