CFTC Commissioner Summer Mersinger to Lead Blockchain Association as New CEO

Summer Mersinger, currently serving as a commissioner at the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), will step into the role of CEO at the Blockchain Association beginning June 2. The announcement, made Wednesday by the Washington-based crypto advocacy group, marks a significant leadership transition during a pivotal moment for digital asset policy in the U.S.

Mersinger will replace Kristin Smith, who is stepping down this Friday to join the Solana Policy Institute. Until Mersinger officially takes the helm, Sarah Milby, currently the association’s head of policy, will serve as interim CEO.

Mersinger’s departure from the CFTC is scheduled for May 30. Neither the CFTC nor Mersinger’s office has issued public comments on the transition so far.

Appointed to the CFTC in 2022, Mersinger was considered a contender to lead the agency before former President Donald Trump instead selected Brian Quintenz—another figure with strong ties to the crypto industry—as chairman. Mersinger, a Republican, has been seen as generally supportive of the digital asset space and has gained the respect of many within the blockchain industry for her nuanced policy views.

A Critical Time for Crypto Regulation

Her move comes as the cryptocurrency sector intensifies its campaign for clearer rules and stronger representation in Washington. Industry leaders have long complained about a lack of consistent regulation and are now pushing for Congress to pass comprehensive digital asset legislation.

That effort hit a roadblock recently when a stablecoin bill failed to make it through the Senate. Stablecoins—digital currencies pegged to the U.S. dollar—are widely viewed as a foundational piece of the crypto economy, and the setback was a disappointment for many advocates hoping for momentum this year.

Meanwhile, political dynamics around crypto are shifting. On the campaign trail, Trump has positioned himself as a pro-crypto candidate, vowing to support innovation in digital assets. He has already issued executive orders focused on cryptocurrency, including a directive in March to establish a federal stockpile of bitcoin and create a working group to draft digital asset regulations.

Mersinger’s move to the Blockchain Association adds a seasoned regulatory voice to the crypto lobby’s efforts—someone who understands how federal agencies operate from the inside. Her presence may provide the group with additional credibility as it continues to engage with lawmakers and regulators.

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