Crypto advocate Kristin Smith to exit Blockchain Association for New Solana Group
Kristin Smith, the chief executive of the Blockchain Association, a leading lobbying group for Crypto policy in Washington, will leave next month to play a role as president of the new Solana Policy Institute, according to an announcement on Tuesday.
“I am not confident that we are proud of what we have achieved together and confident that the future of the organization is bright,” Smith said in a statement.
Earlier this week, Miller Whitehouse-Levine established the organization and announced its position as CEO shortly after dropping from the Defi Education Fund.
Although the group has not yet clarified the source of funding, its website said it will focus its message on “how decentralized networks like Solana are the future of the digital economy.”
Smith has led the Blockchain Association for almost seven years – a dramatic time for industry development. Since last year, political basics have strengthened under the feet of the sector as it has found allies operating all levels of the US government, where crypto advocates have long been trying to obtain a comprehensive set of regulations.
The Blockchain Association has become a central player in the lobbying of the industry.
The organization said its board is now conducting a search to replace Smith.
Whitehouse-Levin once worked on the operation of that organization’s policy.
“Innovators should have clarity that they need to develop a friction, internet-based global economy-a future that we believe will be achieved in the right laws, policies and frameworks,” he said in a statement on this week’s launch of the Solana Group.
Update (April 1, 2025, 19:09 UTC): Adds feedback from Kristin Smith.
