Texas Blockchain Council Announces New Leadership
Founder & President Lee Bratcher Stepping Down After Years of Extraordinary Leadership
Board Names Innovation Champion Hon. Giovanni Capriglione President
COO Jessi Goostree Promoted to Executive Director
DALLAS, January 5, 2026 — Today, the Board of Directors of the Texas Blockchain Council (TBC) is pleased to announce that it has selected new leadership to carry the organization forward into its next phase of growth and development for the digital asset and digital infrastructure industries.
After six years of exemplary leadership, TBC Founder and President Lee Bratcher is stepping down to pursue another professional opportunity. He will remain involved with the TBC as a member of the Board of Directors.
“We thank Lee for his passion, vision, and dedication to make Texas the jurisdiction of choice for digital assets and other emerging technologies,” said Board Chair Carol Haines. “The industry would not be in such a strong position today without Lee’s leadership. We wish him and his family all the best.”
“It has been an honor and pleasure to lead the TBC for the past six years,” said Bratcher. “I want to thank the Board and all of our members for the trust they placed in me and celebrate the tremendous accomplishments we have achieved together. From the state’s first digital asset legislation to critical energy infrastructure developments to the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, we have laid a strong foundation on which to build a brighter future. Congratulations to Giovanni and Jessi on their new roles. I am confident that the TBC is in great hands, and I’ll remain available to support them and the mission of the TBC.”
In light of Lee’s departure, effective immediately, the Board of Directors has unanimously selected the Honorable Giovanni Capriglione to serve as President of the TBC.
Since 2012, Giovanni has represented northeast Tarrant County in the Texas House of Representatives. As Chairman of the bipartisan Innovation and Technology Caucus, he has authored and passed virtually every major piece of legislation affecting digital assets and other emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence. Most recently, he sponsored legislation establishing the Texas Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, guiding the bill through the legislative process before it was signed into law.
Giovanni previously served as a Senior Vice President of an investment firm and held various roles at computer engineering companies, primarily focused on semiconductor design and internet-based products.
“We are thrilled to welcome Giovanni as the new President of the TBC,” said Haines. “Giovanni’s unique combination of experiences in public policy, finance, and technology make him an ideal fit to lead the organization at this pivotal time for the industry.”
“Joining the Texas Blockchain Council as President is an incredible opportunity to continue advancing the digital assets industry that I've championed throughout my legislative career,” said Capriglione. “Texas is leading the nation in creating a regulatory environment that fosters innovation while protecting consumers. I want to thank Lee for his friendship and years of service, and the Board and members for their trust. I'm excited to work alongside Jessi and our members to build on this foundation.”
The Board is also pleased to announce the promotion of Jessi Goostree to the position of Executive Director.
Since 2024, Goostree has served as the Chief Operating Officer of the TBC. Goostree brings over 18 years of experience in financial services and blockchain technology from Fidelity Investments, where she served as VP of Investment Products & Strategy for Digital Assets. During her tenure at Fidelity, she developed enterprise strategies and designed innovative crypto products, playing a critical role in launching Fidelity's Digital Asset Account and the Wise Origin Bitcoin ETP. She has also been instrumental in developing the North American Blockchain Association (NABA), a trade association representing grassroots-level blockchain organizations across North America.
“Jessi has been an integral part of the TBC’s success,” said Haines. “We are grateful that she has agreed to take on this new responsibility to ensure continued operational excellence and continuity for our members.”
“I'm honored to step into the Executive Director role at such an exciting time for our industry,” said Jessi Goostree. “Texas has established itself as the premier destination for blockchain innovation, and with Giovanni's policy expertise and our incredible team, we're positioned to accelerate that momentum. I look forward to working with our members to seize the opportunities ahead and ensure Texas remains the jurisdiction of choice for digital asset innovation.”
About Texas Blockchain Council
The Texas Blockchain Council is a nonprofit industry association working to make the State of Texas the jurisdiction of choice for bitcoin, blockchain, and digital asset innovation.
