Bernie Moreno is a United States Senator from Ohio, serving since January 2025. He is a member of the Republican Party and is known for his strong advocacy in the crypto and blockchain sectors, as well as his previous career in the automotive industry and technology entrepreneurship. ^[1]​

Early Life and Education

Bernardo Francisco Moreno Mejía was born on February 14, 1967, in Bogotá, Colombia. He moved to the United States at the age of five, settling in Florida where he was raised. Moreno is a naturalized U.S. citizen, having obtained citizenship at the age of 18 when he also renounced his Colombian citizenship. He attended the University of Michigan, where he graduated with a Bachelor's in Business Administration. ^{[3] [2]}

Career

Automotive Industry

After graduating from college, Moreno worked at General Motors as an analyst and field consultant for the Saturn Corporation division. In the early 1990s, he moved to Massachusetts and became general manager of a Saturn dealership operated by The Herb Chambers Companies.

In 2005, Moreno moved to Ohio and purchased a Mercedes-Benz dealership in North Olmsted, near Cleveland. He later served as president of Collection Auto Group. By 2016, he owned more than a dozen automobile dealerships, primarily in Ohio. In 2019, he began selling some of his dealerships and shifted his professional activities toward the technology sector.

Blockchain and Technology

In 2016, Moreno became involved in the blockchain industry and later founded Ownum, a blockchain-based technology company. In 2019, he continued his transition from the automotive business by selling several dealerships and focusing on the operations of Ownum.

Business and Community Activities

In 2018, Moreno established the Sales Center for Excellence at Cleveland State University. In 2019, he was inducted into the Cleveland Business Hall of Fame.

Moreno was appointed to the board of trustees of the MetroHealth System in October 2019. He remained on the board until February 2021, when he resigned while preparing to seek public office.

Legal Matters

In 2023, Moreno settled more than a dozen wage-related lawsuits and agreed to pay more than $400,000 to two former employees. Court records indicate that a state judge criticized the destruction of documents that were considered potentially relevant to the litigation.

In March 2024, reports noted that Moreno had been named in two lawsuits alleging age and gender discrimination. His campaign stated that the former employees involved in the cases supported his Senate campaign. ^{[1] [2] [4] [3] [5] [6] [7]}

Interviews

Crypto Market Structure Legislation #01

On May 6, 2026, Senator Bernie Moreno participated in an interview on Coinage’s Crypto & Politics series, where he discussed cryptocurrency legislation, blockchain policy, and artificial intelligence regulation in the United States.

During the interview, Moreno commented on the legislative status of the CLARITY Act, a proposed bill addressing the regulatory framework for digital assets. He stated that the measure was being considered by the Senate Banking Committee and outlined the legislative process required for its advancement through Congress.

Moreno also referred to his involvement with blockchain-related initiatives prior to serving in the Senate. He described attending cryptocurrency industry events and participating in a company that used blockchain technology in the management of vehicle title records.

The discussion included several provisions associated with the CLARITY Act. Moreno addressed topics such as the treatment of stablecoin-related yield products, legal protections for software developers working on open-source blockchain applications, and the use of blockchain networks for financial instruments, including securities and derivatives.

In addition, Moreno discussed the relationship between digital asset markets and the banking sector. He commented on concerns regarding the potential impact of stablecoins on bank deposits and referenced developments that had occurred following the passage of previous cryptocurrency legislation.

The interview also covered artificial intelligence policy. Moreno stated his support for a federal regulatory framework for AI and discussed the potential effects of differing regulatory approaches among individual U.S. states. He also referenced international competition in the development and regulation of emerging technologies. ^[8]

Business, Leadership and the Automotive Industry #02

On June 12, 2025, Senator Bernie Moreno appeared on ''The David Spisak Show'', hosted by David Spisak. During the interview, Moreno discussed his experience in the automotive retail sector and its relationship to his work in public office.

Moreno described his career in automotive retail, including his progression from dealership management to dealership ownership. He stated that his experience in sales, negotiations, and business operations informed his approach to legislative work and public policy.

The interview also addressed conditions in the automotive industry. Moreno discussed vehicle sales trends, dealership operations, manufacturing activity, and trade policy. He stated that, in his view, the automotive retail sector has adapted to changes in market conditions and economic policy over time.

Moreno also discussed the Bernie Moreno Center for Sales Excellence at Cleveland State University. He explained that the program was established to provide sales-related education and training for students. During the conversation, he described sales as a professional discipline that can be taught through structured instruction and practical experience.

The discussion included comparisons between business management and government service. Moreno stated that skills used in automotive retail, including negotiation, communication, and conflict resolution, are also applicable in legislative settings. He referenced the coordination of multiple departments within a dealership as an example of managing differing interests within an organization.

In addition, Moreno discussed political participation by business owners and entrepreneurs. He stated that individuals with experience in business may apply their professional backgrounds to public service and policymaking. During the interview, he noted that he was elected to the United States Senate after a career in the automotive retail industry.

The interview concluded with a discussion of economic policy, manufacturing, and technological developments, including artificial intelligence. Moreno outlined his views regarding the potential effects of these factors on the automotive sector and the broader United States economy. ^[9]