City Leaders

DUANE JACOBSEN

CO-FOUNDER RESILIENT LABS

Duane Jacobsen is a seasoned fintech expert with over three decades of experience, currently serving as the CEO and Co-Founder of Resilient Labs and President of MET Solutions. With 34 years in executive management, operations, product development, sales, marketing, and financial systems, Jacobsen has built a reputation for creating disruptive and award-winning fintech platforms. His recent ventures include a streaming blockchain IoT platform, a firearm blockchain dApp, and a network-branded prepaid card tailored for the crypto industry. A sought-after thought leader, he has shared his insights as a speaker and presenter at prominent industry events such as Coin Agenda, Money2020, Consensus, CES, and Blockchain Expo.

Jacobsen’s illustrious career includes a decade-long tenure as Vice President at American Express, where his innovative contributions led to multiple patents across the U.S., Canada, and internationally, including co-inventing TicketTRAX. Following this, he held executive leadership roles at Total Systems Services (TSYS) and Prepaid Resources, spearheading cross-functional teams to enhance card platform functionality, develop new prepaid card products, and streamline processing components for major clients like Walmart, RushCard, MoneyGram, and Green Dot. Jacobsen holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from Rutgers University and completed a specialized EMBA program at The Wharton School in collaboration with American Express. A licensed accountant in New Jersey, he continues to drive innovation at the intersection of finance and technology.

CHARLES FORREST

CRYPTOCURRENCY ANALYST

Charles, known as Crypto Chuck, is a seasoned cryptocurrency enthusiast with over 8 years of experience navigating the evolving world of digital currencies and blockchain technology. His deep knowledge of the industry is the result of constant research and analysis, which has allowed him to stay ahead of trends and emerging projects. Through his commitment to learning, Crypto Chuck has developed a keen eye for identifying opportunities and potential risks in the crypto space.

As the host of *Crypto Black*—a popular YouTube channel and podcast—Charles shares his expertise with a growing community of crypto enthusiasts and newcomers alike. His mission is to simplify the complex world of blockchain technology, helping people understand its potential and how to make informed decisions. Whether through in-depth analysis, project reviews, or interviews with industry leaders, Crypto Chuck is dedicated to educating and empowering others in the fast-paced crypto space.