Kristin Smith Transitions to Solana Policy Institute
Kristin Smith, the esteemed chief executive of the Blockchain Association, a prominent lobbying organization advocating for cryptocurrency policy in Washington, D.C., is set to depart next month. She will take on a new role as president of the recently established Solana Policy Institute, as announced on Tuesday.
In her statement, Smith expressed her pride in the accomplishments achieved during her tenure, stating, “I am incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together and confident that the organization’s future is bright.”
The Solana Policy Institute, founded by Miller Whitehouse-Levine, aims to bolster the dialogue surrounding decentralized networks and their pivotal role in the future of the digital economy. Whitehouse-Levine, who recently stepped down from the Defi Education Fund, has taken on the role of CEO for this new initiative. While the group has yet to disclose its funding sources, its mission is clear as articulated on its website: to promote the significance of platforms like Solana in shaping the future of economic interactions.
Smith has been at the helm of the Blockchain Association for nearly seven years, a period marked by significant developments and challenges in the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency industry. Over the last year, the political landscape has become increasingly supportive of crypto initiatives, with allies emerging at various levels of the U.S. government. This shift comes as advocates have long sought comprehensive regulatory frameworks to govern the sector.
The Blockchain Association has played a crucial role in lobbying efforts for the industry, and following Smith’s departure, the organization’s board is actively searching for her successor. Notably, Whitehouse-Levine previously contributed to the policy operations at the Blockchain Association.
In light of the launch of the Solana Policy Institute, Whitehouse-Levine remarked, “Innovators deserve to have the clarity they need to build a frictionless, Internet-based global economy — a future we believe is achievable with the right laws, rules, and frameworks.”
UPDATE (April 1, 2025, 19:09 UTC): Adds comment from Kristin Smith.
