Kristin Smith Moves from Blockchain Association to Lead Solana Policy Institute

In a significant shift in the cryptocurrency advocacy landscape, Kristin Smith, the CEO of the Blockchain Association, is leaving her post to spearhead the Solana Policy Institute. Smith’s departure, announced on April 1st, will be effective May 16th, with her new role as President of the Solana Policy Institute beginning May 19th.

The Blockchain Association’s official statement confirmed Smith’s transition but offered no specific reasons behind her move. While the association remains tight-lipped about its future leadership, the news has sparked considerable speculation within the industry.

This move follows a similar transition by Miller Whitehouse-Levine, former CEO of the DeFi Education Fund, who recently joined the Solana Policy Institute as CEO. This influx of experienced leadership suggests a considerable investment by Solana in shaping its policy narrative within the United States.

Smith’s tenure at the Blockchain Association, beginning in 2018, saw her navigate complex regulatory landscapes and advocate for blockchain technology on a national scale. Her experience and expertise will undoubtedly be valuable assets to Solana’s policy efforts. This development will be closely watched by policymakers and industry stakeholders alike as it signals a significant shift in the influence and direction of key players within the cryptocurrency ecosystem.

This is a developing story. We will update this post as more information becomes available.