Nominee's Key Links:
Bio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roningram/
Resume or CV: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roningram/
Writing or Publications: https://ronaldingram.substack.com/
Website: https://kiron.ai/
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtInKINAQtQ&t=14s
Socials: https://x.com/imaginician
Agency or agencies for which nominator feels nominee is best suited:
Organization name(s) and position(s) for which nominator feels nominee is best suited:
1. Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) for the Department of Government Efficiency - This role would allow Ingram to lead the technological and procedural innovation across various federal agencies, focusing on reducing inefficiencies through technology like AI and blockchain. 2. Director of Regulatory Reform - Given his deep understanding of financial regulation and his ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes, he could spearhead initiatives aimed at streamlining regulations, potentially within the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) under the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). 3. Special Advisor for Economic and Technological Integration - This position could be established to specifically address how economic policies can be integrated with technological advancements to foster efficiency and revenue generation, possibly under the Chief Financial Officer's office within the Department. 4. Head of the Office of Innovation and Modernization - This could be a newly created position or office focused on implementing cutting-edge solutions to traditional government processes, particularly in areas like immigration, financial services, and public sector operations. 5. Administrator for Performance Improvement - A role where Ingram could apply his evaluation matrix (IEM) to assess and enhance the performance of various government programs and initiatives, potentially within the Government Accountability Office (GAO) or a similar oversight body. 6. Strategic Advisor for Immigration and Economic Development - Focused on designing and implementing efficient immigration policies like Golden Visa programs, this role could be under the Department of Homeland Security or in collaboration with the Department of Commerce. 7. Consultant for Financial Regulatory Streamlining - Working with the Federal Reserve, FDIC, or CFPB, Ingram could consult on how to make financial regulations more efficient while maintaining oversight, possibly under a new initiative or an existing body like the Financial Stability Oversight Council. 8. Director of Digital Transformation - Leading efforts to digitize government services, potentially focusing on converting entities like the USPS into profit centers through digital innovation.
Policies which the nominator knows the nominee supports or in which they have expertise:
Ronald Ingram's expertise and areas of policy interest, based on the information provided, span several domains, particularly within the financial and technology sectors. Here's an overview:
• Financial Regulation and Innovation: Ingram has extensive experience with banking regulations, working with entities like the Federal Reserve, FDIC, and CFPB. His approach includes advocating for regulatory frameworks that support innovation in financial services, such as the development of neobanks and advanced payment systems.
• Technology and Cybersecurity: Ingram has a deep involvement in cybersecurity, especially in how it intersects with financial technologies. His work suggests a policy orientation towards enhancing security frameworks while promoting digital innovation.
• Immigration and Economic Growth: Ingram has ideas on streamlining immigration processes through initiatives like Golden Visa programs, which could be integrated with economic development strategies like Opportunity Zones to enhance economic growth, attract talent, and increase revenue.
• Government Efficiency: His nomination for the Department of Government Efficiency implies a focus on policies that reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies, potentially using technology like AI and blockchain to streamline government operations.
• Innovation in Public Services: Ingram's vision includes using technology to transform public services into profit centers, as suggested with his ideas about reengineering the USPS.
Nominator's thoughts on what would make this nominee a valuable member of a future Trump Unity Government
Ronald N. Ingram is indeed competent in his subject areas of expertise, particularly within the banking and financial regulation sectors. His career spans over 25 years of direct involvement in the financial industry, where he has held key positions such as Chairman, CIO, CISO, and majority owner of a community bank. Ingram's experience extends to consulting with major banks and engaging with regulatory bodies on a regular basis. His interactions have included working closely with the highest levels at the Federal Reserve Board, FDIC, state regulators, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. This engagement has not only been at the operational level but also involved navigating the complex landscape of regulatory compliance for innovative financial products, including mobile banking platforms, money transfer services, payment systems, cybersecurity protocols, and credit reporting systems.
Moreover, Ingram's credibility in these areas is further bolstered by his extensive vetting by agencies like the FBI and DHS, which reflects his adherence to high standards of security and compliance. His professional reputation is supported by numerous endorsements and letters of reference from bank CEOs, executives in anti-money laundering, and financial regulation specialists, as well as cybersecurity experts.
Ingram's book, "Neobank: Navigating the Future of Banking," further demonstrates his deep understanding of the evolving banking landscape, particularly in the context of fintech innovation. This blend of practical experience, regulatory interaction, and thought leadership positions him as highly competent for roles under the Department of Government Efficiency where his expertise in banking, compliance, and financial regulation would be directly applicable.
Honesty and Integrity: Ronald Ingram is known for his transparency and integrity, particularly in areas concerning conflicts of interest and corporate governance. Over his 20-year career, Ingram has maintained an impeccable reputation for honesty among vendors, clients, and employees, attesting to his commitment to ethical practices. His adherence to strict ethical guidelines is demonstrated through:
Oaths and Ethical Training: Ingram has sworn oaths of office as a bank board member and has committed to ethical standards as a council member of the Gerson Lehrman Group for over two decades. These positions require a high level of accountability and transparency, ensuring that he understands and manages potential conflicts of interest meticulously.
Bonding: Being continuously bonded for his work as a financial advisor or banker for over 20 years indicates that he has been trusted to handle financial matters with integrity. Bonding ensures there is a financial safety net for any malfeasance, which indirectly reflects on his personal and professional honesty.
Collaborative and Transparent Leadership: Organizations led by Ingram are known for their collaborative approach with government entities, even in high-profile and sensitive situations. This reputation for transparency suggests a consistent practice of open dialogue and decision-making processes, which inherently mitigates risks of corporate capture by ensuring all stakeholders have insight into how decisions are made.
Public and Professional Reputation: Ingram's long-standing reputation among a broad spectrum of professionals in the industry supports the claim that he is honest about conflicts of interest. This reputation is built on years of consistent behavior where his actions align with disclosed interests and ethical standards.
In summary, Ronald Ingram's career is marked by a steadfast commitment to honesty and ethical conduct in navigating conflicts of interest, corporate capture, and decision-making processes. His history of ethical compliance, bonding, and transparent leadership supports his reputation for being forthright in these areas.
Ronald Ingram's respect for freedom of speech, the Constitution, and the right to dissent is deeply ingrained both in his personal ethos and his professional journey. Starting his career in Canada's robust banking sector, known for its stability, Ingram not only absorbed the principles of a sound financial system but also developed a profound appreciation for legal and ethical governance. His journey to American citizenship reflects his commitment to becoming a lawful and valuable contributor to the U.S., following all legal processes meticulously.
Ingram's love for America and pursuit of the American dream are evident in his advocacy for constitutional rights, particularly freedom of speech. In his book "Neobank" and through numerous public speaking engagements, he has consistently championed these rights, even when such views might be unpopular. His approach has always been inclusive, respecting every race, creed, color, and culture, and encouraging dialogue that respects differing viewpoints. His hundreds of posts reflect this commitment to open discourse, showcasing his belief in the power of free expression.
Moreover, Ingram's connection to America is not just aspirational but also deeply historical. With ancient roots tracing back to Virginia and ties to the Founding Fathers, his respect for the Constitution is both personal and ancestral. He views freedom as the cornerstone that allows human potential and imagination to flourish, enabling individuals to address and solve any challenge. Ingram's optimism about human progress is contingent upon the preservation of these freedoms, making him a staunch defender of constitutional rights and the democratic process.
Courage: Ronald Ingram demonstrates significant courage in upholding public trust, particularly through his actions in whistleblowing where necessary. He has, on occasion, reported serious violations to authoritative bodies like the FBI, USCIS, and DHS, showcasing his commitment to ethical integrity over personal or corporate convenience.
As a leader, Ingram's approach combines mentorship with accountability. He prioritizes hiring, mentoring, and coaching his team, believing in fostering growth and development. However, he has not shied away from making tough decisions, including the termination of relationships with employees, vendors, and even clients when their actions or performance did not align with ethical standards or business needs. These decisions are always made with respect but are nonetheless firm, reflecting his understanding that sometimes, for the greater good or systemic improvement, personnel changes are necessary.
His leadership style also involves a strategic vision where he identifies individual strengths and creatively repositions people into roles where they can thrive. This not only helps in maintaining a positive work environment but also ensures that his organizations remain efficient and aligned with their ethical and operational goals. Ingram's ability to balance compassion with the courage to enforce discipline when public trust or organizational integrity is at stake makes him a leader who is both nurturing and resolute in protecting the public interest.
Proven Track-Record
Ronald Ingram has a proven record of delivering positive results for the people he serves, evidenced by his significant contributions across multiple sectors:
• Beanstream's Success: His most notable achievement is the founding and growth of Beanstream, now part of Worldline's digital payment division, valued in the billions. This venture not only transformed into a financial powerhouse but also democratized digital payment solutions, making transactions more accessible, secure, and efficient for millions of users and businesses globally. This initiative stands as a testament to Ingram's ability to envision, build, and scale innovations that directly benefit the end-user in the financial sector.
• Innovative Patent: Ingram's first patent, which has garnered 153 citations, highlights his capacity for innovation with real-world impact. This work has influenced numerous subsequent innovations, showcasing his role in advancing technology that serves broader societal needs beyond immediate commercial success.
• Neobank Publication: Through his book "Neobank," Ingram not only shared his insights but also influenced the trajectory of banking technology, advocating for models that prioritize customer experience and accessibility. His thought leadership in this area has paved the way for a new era in banking, directly impacting how services are conceptualized and delivered.
• GLG Leadership: His progression at the Gerson Lehrman Group (GLG) from Council Member to Leader over 20 years speaks volumes about his capability to provide value to top-tier clients. His roles have involved advising private equity, investment banking, and international management consulting firms, where his expertise directly contributes to strategic decisions, thereby benefiting his clients' operations and investment outcomes.
Each of these accomplishments underscores Ingram's commitment to not just theoretical innovation but practical solutions that enhance the lives and operations of those he serves, whether through financial technology, intellectual property, or expert consulting. His work consistently demonstrates a focus on positive, tangible outcomes for stakeholders, marking him as a leader who can effectively bridge vision with execution for the betterment of industry and society.
