Joseph McKinney

Joseph McKinney is the CEO of the Catawba Digital Economic Zone (DEZ), a pioneering initiative established by the Catawba Nation in the Carolinas. His leadership focuses on leveraging "Governance-as-a-Service" to enhance governmental services through Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Distributed Ledger Technologies.

Background and Career

McKinney began his career in electoral politics, engaging in various political campaigns at local, state, and national levels. In 2014, he transitioned into the blockchain sector, which led to his involvement with key figures in zone development. By 2015, he founded the Startup Societies Foundation, a nonprofit think tank dedicated to policy development for special economic zones, where he hosted numerous conferences featuring over 100 speakers.13

Role at Catawba Digital Economic Zone

Since March 2021, McKinney has served as CEO of the Catawba Digital Economic Zone, which operates under the jurisdiction of the Catawba Nation. This zone aims to attract businesses in emerging digital industries by providing a unique regulatory framework that fosters innovation in areas such as fintech and digital assets. The Catawba DEZ is designed to offer regulatory advantages similar to those found in established business-friendly states like Delaware, but with a focus on digital and remote business operations.245

Vision and Impact

Under McKinney's leadership, the Catawba DEZ aims to create a supportive environment for digital enterprises, including those involved in cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies. The initiative seeks to establish a robust infrastructure that includes data centers and supercomputers, thereby positioning the Catawba Nation as a competitive player in the digital economy.34

McKinney's work reflects a broader trend of integrating tribal governance with modern economic strategies, promoting both economic development and the sovereignty of Native American tribes.45