A leading crypto lobbying group is shaking up its leadership less than two weeks after the industry’s top legislative priority failed in the Senate.

The Blockchain Association said Chief Executive Officer Summer Mersinger, a former chief of staff to Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), will step down Oct. 16, but will remain as an adviser through the year’s end.

Kristin Smith, the Blockchain Association’s former CEO, will return to the role she left in May 2025 as interim CEO. Smith is president of the Solana Policy Institute. Smith will continue in her role at Solana, said that group’s spokesperson …