Kristin Smith will resume leadership of the Blockchain Association as interim CEO starting October 17, according to a statement released by the group on Friday. Smith will continue serving as president of the Solana Policy Institute, holding both roles simultaneously.
Leadership change and dual roles
Smith was the Blockchain Association’s first employee when it was established in 2018 and previously served as CEO until 2025. The Blockchain Association is a prominent advocacy group representing the interests of the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry in Washington, D.C.
After leaving her CEO post, Smith became the head of the Solana Policy Institute in 2025 while retaining her role as board president at the Blockchain Association. The institute focuses on policy research and advocacy for the Solana blockchain ecosystem.
According to the Blockchain Association, Smith will take over from Summer Mersinger, who steps down as CEO on October 16. The group noted that Mersinger will continue to advise the organization until the end of 2026 to ensure a smooth transition.
Emily Wilson, communications director at the Solana Policy Institute, confirmed that Smith will not relinquish her current institute position. She emphasized that Smith’s responsibilities at the SPI remain unchanged and her work with the Blockchain Association is an additional commitment.
A spokesperson for the Blockchain Association verified this arrangement, stating that Smith’s dual engagement has been planned and coordinated by both organizations.
Mini dictionary: Solana Policy Institute, a policy think tank dedicated to research and advocacy specific to the Solana blockchain ecosystem, supporting regulatory clarity and legislative engagement for projects and users within the Solana network.
Background on leadership transition
Summer Mersinger took on the CEO position at the Blockchain Association in June 2025, following her service as a commissioner with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). She was nominated by President Joe Biden to a Republican commissioner’s seat and was sworn in during March 2022.
During her leadership, the group advocated for industry-friendly regulation and participated actively in shaping major legislative efforts. The association reports holding more than 300 meetings with lawmakers and regulators in 2026 and organizing several member “fly-ins” to Capitol Hill.
Mersinger led the association through significant developments, including passage of the GENIUS Act and the signing of a stablecoin framework into law by President Trump in July 2025. She also represented the industry in hearings before the Senate Banking Committee, the House Financial Services Committee, and the House Ways and Means Subcommittee.
Senate setback for Clarity Act
This leadership change followed a high-profile defeat for crypto market regulation. About a week earlier, the Senate narrowly rejected the Clarity Act, a bill aimed at establishing broad market rules for the digital asset industry. The vote to advance the bill failed 49 to 50, falling short of the 60-vote threshold required to end debate. Four Republican senators opposed the measure, while no Democrats supported it.
The bill drew criticism after a last-minute revision removed explicit protections for software developers from criminal liability under 18 U.S.C. 1960. Jason Somensatto, head of policy at nonprofit research firm Coin Center, criticized the revision as “deeply disappointing.”
Mersinger expressed pride in the association’s progress: “I’m proud of how far we’ve come together, from the GENIUS Act to real regulatory clarity at the SEC and CFTC,” and noted that Smith “built this association from the ground up.”
In addition, eighteen state attorneys general, led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, warned that the Clarity Act could weaken enforcement against state-level fraud.
Smith called her return to leadership “personal for me” and highlighted Mersinger’s service during a critical time for the crypto industry.
