Blockchain Association CEO Summer Mersinger steps down, Kristin Smith returns as interim CEO
The crypto lobbying group's co-founder comes back to lead during a pivotal moment for digital asset legislation in Washington
The Blockchain Association is swapping captains mid-voyage. Summer Mersinger, who took the helm as CEO just over a year ago, is stepping down effective October 16, with co-founder Kristin Smith returning as interim CEO the following day.
The leadership shuffle comes at an awkward time for crypto’s most prominent trade group. The US Senate recently declined to advance the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, a bill that had already cleared the House.
The revolving door at the top
Mersinger arrived at the Blockchain Association in June 2025 after serving as a commissioner at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. The GENIUS Act, a stablecoin-focused piece of legislation, passed in July 2025 during her watch.
She’ll remain connected to the organization as an advisor through December 31, 2026.
Smith co-founded the Blockchain Association and served as its CEO from 2018 until May 2025. During her original run, the group’s membership grew to over 125 organizations.
Smith currently serves as president of the Solana Policy Institute, and she plans to juggle both positions simultaneously.
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Why the Senate stall matters
The Digital Asset Market Clarity Act was supposed to be the industry’s breakthrough moment, the legislation that would finally sort out which federal agencies regulate which digital assets. It passed the House, building real momentum. Then the Senate let it sit.
The GENIUS Act on stablecoins gave the industry a regulatory framework for one specific corner of the market. The harder question of how to classify and regulate the broader universe of digital assets remains unanswered.
What Smith brings back to the table
Smith spent seven years building the Blockchain Association’s relationships on Capitol Hill, its membership base, and its reputation as a serious policy voice. Her dual role at the Solana Policy Institute adds a layer of complexity. Having someone who straddles both a chain-specific advocacy group and the industry’s broadest trade association could create alignment, but could also create conflicts of interest that competitors will be happy to point out.
The Blockchain Association represents over 125 member organizations spanning exchanges, DeFi protocols, venture funds, and infrastructure companies.
Smith has framed her return as a commitment to continuity, maintaining the advocacy momentum built under Mersinger rather than overhauling the strategy.