Keizan Shaffer is Bright Mountain's founder and principal. He started his career as a software professional in 1999, after graduating from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science. Since then he's worked at a slew of companies of every shape and size, from under a dozen employees to over 100,000.

In 2014, Keizan transitioned into management, and soon found his love of leadership and coaching. Since then he has been leading organizations professionally, from Fortune 500 companies to NGOs. 

Since 2015, Keizan has also brought his love of coaching and mentorship to supporting others in recovery from addiction. In addition to sponsoring recovering alcoholics through the 12 steps, he has created and facilitates a support group for all forms of recovery within his Zen buddhist community. 

Through 2022 and 2023, Keizan was an active venture partner in the Oregon Venture fund, with a special focus on advising pre-seed companies as part of the OFV Champions program. 

In April of 2022, Keizan was ordained as a priest within the Rinzai lineage of Zen Buddhism. This event was just one of many gates to truth that Keizan has passed through on his journey.

You can learn more about Keizan's professional background on his LinkedIn page.

You can learn more about the No-Rank Rinzai Zen community of Portland at their web page.