After five powerful years leading the Blockchain Association, Kristin Smith is moving on. Her last day as CEO will be May 16—but she’s not stepping away from crypto.

Starting May 19, she’ll take the reins as President of the Solana Policy Institute, a new initiative focused on building Solana’s influence in D.C.’s crypto conversations.

Announcing the move, Smith said it’s “a shift in perspective,” not a goodbye.

“It’s been an incredible ride—working with brilliant minds and advocating for an industry that’s changing the world,” she reflected.

From Solo Employee to Industry Trailblazer

Smith started with the Blockchain Association back in 2018—literally as employee #1. Over time, she helped transform it into one of the strongest voices for crypto on Capitol Hill.

She was key in pushing back against parts of the 2021 Infrastructure Bill and stood up for innovation. Just last year, the Association even sued the IRS over new crypto tax rules.

Solana Doubles Down on Policy with New Think Tank

Now, she’s taking her talents to Solana. The new Policy Institute is still fresh but already signals how serious Solana is about policy work.

This move also reflects a broader trend: instead of relying only on trade groups, big blockchains are starting to create their own policy teams.

With Solana’s ecosystem exploding in popularity, it makes sense they’d want more control over how regulations are shaped.

A Big Move with Bigger Implications

Smith’s shift from a neutral industry advocate to a project-focused role could be a game-changer—setting the tone for how individual platforms deal with government.

The Blockchain Association is already looking for a new CEO. Smith says she’s proud of the strong team she’s leaving behind and believes they’re ready for the next phase.

Her exit won’t go unnoticed. It highlights how major projects like Solana are now stepping up to help write the rules for crypto’s next era.