During her tenure at the Blockchain Association, Smith has been a key advocate for regulatory clarity and support for blockchain technology.

Smith's new role at the Solana Policy Institute will focus on promoting the growth of decentralized finance and related initiatives within the Solana ecosystem.

Kristin Smith, currently the CEO of the Blockchain Association, will transition to lead the newly established Solana Policy Institute in May 2025.

The Solana Policy Institute aims to provide educational resources and engage with U.S. legislators to promote clearer regulations, particularly for the Solana ecosystem.

This leadership change comes at a time when the cryptocurrency industry faces increasing regulatory challenges, making advocacy efforts more critical than ever.

Miller Whitehouse-Levine, the former CEO of the DeFi Education Fund, will also join the Solana Policy Institute, emphasizing the need for clear laws to support innovation in the digital economy.

Smith's move signifies a strategic shift from broad advocacy at the Blockchain Association to a focused approach on Solana, aiming to influence policy within the digital asset space.

Launched on March 31, 2025, the Solana Policy Institute is a non-partisan nonprofit dedicated to educating lawmakers about the broader digital asset ecosystem beyond Bitcoin.

In her announcement, Smith stated that her transition is not a farewell to the crypto industry but rather a new chapter in her advocacy efforts.

Her departure is expected to have significant implications for the Blockchain Association's ongoing initiatives and lobbying efforts during a pivotal time for the industry.

The Solana Policy Institute aims to address the urgent need for effective regulation in the rapidly evolving decentralized finance landscape.

The Blockchain Association has played a vital role in lobbying for comprehensive crypto regulations and has recently gained political allies at various levels of government.