Grants Council Self-Nomination Template
Please link to your Optimist Profile or Organization ID here. All candidates are required to create an Optimist Profile by following the steps at atlas.optimism.io and sharing their profile link below.
Please link to any contributions that demonstrate you meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the Charter for the specific Grants Council team you’re applying for:
I am excited to apply for the GrantNerd role at Optimism. With deep experience in governance, grant programs, and ecosystem development across the blockchain space, I am confident in my ability to help grow and refine Optimism’s grant initiatives to achieve Superchain TVL objectives.
My traditional background is in Finance, where I spent over 10 years as a portfolio manager for a $1B hedge fund. However, my passion really lies in Web3, where I’ve been active since 2017, first as a trader, then as a DeFi power user, and then finally as a DAO and Ecosystem operator and advisor.
My DAO journey began as a core contributor at SquiggleDAO and Fingerprints DAO, where I developed a solid foundation in DAO operations. I later founded Mad Forrest, a Governance and Grants consulting firm, where I advised numerous Web2 and Web3 companies on securing grants and building governance structures. Notably, I partnered with Halborn to establish their DAO and grant functions, including successfully introducing them to the Optimism Grants Program, where I pitched and secured their role as a whitelisted auditor.
Currently, I serve as the DAO and Ecosystem Lead at Sherlock, where grant programs are a central focus. I have helped Sherlock operate within existing grant programs (including extensive work with the Optimism Grants Program and Grants Council) while also supporting other ecosystems in establishing new program with Sherlock’s assistance. I have guided dozens of builders through grant applications for Optimism and other major ecosystems like Arbitrum, educating teams on requirements, streamlining their processes, and fostering alignment with ecosystem goals.
Beyond managing grants, I prioritize engagement and collaboration. I regularly pitch grant programs to prospective applicant teams, emphasizing mutual benefits for both builders and ecosystems. My approach to feedback is solution-oriented, ensuring applicants receive actionable insights to strengthen their proposals without overstepping into product design.
The Optimism Grants Program’s vision aligns closely with my experience and passion for ecosystem growth. My familiarity with its processes, combined with my track record of successfully navigating and enhancing grant programs, positions me uniquely to drive impact as a GrantNerd. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the success of Optimism’s builders and the broader ecosystem.
Thank you for considering my application. I would be thrilled to discuss how my skills and experiences align with the role.
Please disclose any anticipated conflicts of interest: If you are a top 25 delegate in another ecosystem, hold an elected position in another DAO, and/or are a multisig signer in another community please disclose here.
OR
Please verify that you have no conflicts of interest:
- I have no conflicts of interest
Please verify that you understand you may be removed from this role via the Representative Removal proposal type in the Operating Manual
- I understand
Please verify that you understand KYC will be required to receive Council rewards at the end of Season 7:
- I understand
Please verify that you understand you may need to sign an agreement with the Foundation prior to onboarding:
- I understand
Please verify that you are able to commit
I am able to commit 15 hours per week for the GrantNerd role.