Blockchain Association's Mersinger Steps Down Amid Regulatory Shift

Blockchain Association CEO Summer Mersinger will step down on October 16 and remain as an adviser through the end of 2026. The leadership change comes during a period of rapid change in U.S. digital-asset policy, including new stablecoin legislation and increasingly detailed guidance from federal regulators.

Mersinger's departure is set to coincide with the return of Kristin Smith, who previously served as chief executive until 2025. Smith was one of the founding leaders of the Blockchain Association and grew the organization into a prominent lobbying and policy group in Washington. She will take on an interim role from October 17 while the association identifies its next permanent chief executive.

The leadership change arrives at an interesting point for the industry, as crypto policy has shifted from defense to rulemaking. The Blockchain Association credits Mersinger with helping steer the organization through this period and increasing engagement with lawmakers and agencies.