The Blockchain Association, a leading crypto lobbying group, sought a new CEO with strong Washington connections and deep crypto knowledge, aiming to fill the role swiftly to capitalize on a narrow legislative window before next year’s midterms. Board member Marta Belcher emphasized the urgency, noting the legislative opportunity likely closes after the midterms. This week, the Association announced the hiring of Summer Mersinger, a Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) commissioner, to succeed Kristin Smith, who recently left for the Solana Policy Institute. The Association praised Mersinger’s leadership at the intersection of innovation, law, and public service, highlighting her ability to drive regulatory clarity and build coalitions across government and industry. They expect her to lead efforts promoting progressive legislation, fostering industry growth, and defending decentralized technology principles. Mersinger previously served as a top aide to Senator John Thune, now Senate Majority Leader, and worked at the CFTC during both the Trump administrations. Upon leaving, she expressed pride in supporting presidential policy goals. With nearly 130 members, the Blockchain Association is among the largest crypto lobbying groups in Washington, D. C. , entering what could be a critical phase in crypto regulation history. President Donald Trump has positioned himself as a crypto advocate, issuing executive orders, while Congress debates significant stablecoin legislation and digital asset regulatory frameworks.

Belcher termed the pending legislation “existential” for crypto and stressed that successful passage requires coordinated industry efforts. To ensure swift leadership transition, the Association avoided using a search firm, instead conducting a rapid, rigorous internal process focused on candidates with crypto expertise. Belcher pointed to Mersinger’s dissent in the Ooki DAO case as evidence of her alignment with crypto values. The CFTC sued Ooki DAO in 2022 for operating an unregistered commodities trading platform and lacking required KYC and AML controls. While a federal judge sided with the CFTC after Ooki DAO’s lack of defense, Mersinger dissented, disputing the agency’s attempt to hold all cooperative token holders responsible—a stance resonating with crypto principles, according to Belcher. Mersinger will begin her CEO role on June 2, with Sarah Milby, the Association’s head of policy, serving as interim CEO. Belcher expressed confidence that at this crucial moment for crypto policy, Mersinger is the right leader to guide the industry forward.