Kristin Smith Steps Down as Blockchain Association CEO to Lead Solana-Backed Policy Group
Kristin Smith, one of the most influential voices for crypto policy in Washington, is stepping down from her role as CEO of the Blockchain Association after five impactful years. Her last day will be May 16.
Just three days later, she’ll begin a new chapter as President of the newly formed Solana Policy Institute, an organization focused on shaping the regulatory landscape around the Solana blockchain.
Smith announced the transition on Wednesday, describing it as “a shift in perspective”—not a farewell to the crypto industry she’s long championed.
“Leading this organization, working alongside brilliant colleagues, members, and friends, and advocating for an industry that I believe is shaping the future has been an honor,” she shared.
From One-Person Startup to Washington Powerhouse
Smith first joined the Blockchain Association in 2018 as its very first employee. Under her leadership, the group grew into one of the most prominent voices for the crypto industry in the nation’s capital.
She helped the Association become a key player in debates around digital asset regulation— most notably pushing back on controversial aspects of the 2021 Infrastructure Bill and highlighting the potential of blockchain innovation.
In December 2024, the Association even took legal action against the IRS, challenging new broker reporting requirements for crypto transactions.
Solana’s Strategic Policy Move
Smith’s next stop — the Solana Policy Institute — marks a new direction in her career. While the institute is still in its early stages, its creation shows that Solana is taking policy influence seriously as the regulatory conversation around crypto continues to heat up.
The move also signals a broader trend in the industry: protocol-focused organizations, like Solana, are starting to handle policy efforts in-house instead of relying solely on trade groups.
As Solana’s ecosystem expands and gains popularity among developers and investors, building a stronger voice in Washington seems like a timely step.
A Transition with Impact
Smith’s decision to join a project-linked policy group represents a shift from her previously neutral role, but it’s one that could reshape how individual blockchain platforms interact with lawmakers.
The Blockchain Association’s board has already started searching for a new CEO. In her announcement, Smith expressed confidence in the team she’s leaving behind, calling the organization “stronger than ever” and ready for its next chapter.
Her departure is sure to turn heads— not just for what it means for the Blockchain Association, but also for how major blockchain projects like Solana are stepping up to shape the rules that will define crypto’s future.
