Blockchain Association Taps CFTC’s Summer Mersinger to Spearhead High-Octane Crypto Lobbying Push

The Blockchain Association makes a power move—installing CFTC Commissioner Summer Mersinger as its new chief lobbyist amid Washington’s escalating crypto regulation battles.

Mersinger brings regulatory street cred from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, where she pushed for clearer crypto frameworks. Now she’ll face her ultimate test: convincing Congress that digital assets deserve more than just skeptical side-eye from legacy finance.

Her mission? Cut through the political noise and position crypto as the inevitable next chapter of global finance—not just a speculative playground for degenerate traders.

Summer Mersinger to Leave CFTC

According to a post published on the Blockchain Association’s official X account, Mersinger will leave her position at the federal regulator on May 30 and formally join the crypto trade group on June 2.

The Blockchain Association cited Mersinger’s “experience with the regulatory challenges facing the digital assets ecosystem” and her advocacy for a crypto framework “that balances consumer protection with technological innovation” as reasons for her selection.

1/ We’re pleased to announce that CFTC Commissioner Summer Mersinger has been chosen as the new Blockchain Association CEO. Summer will leave her current position as Commissioner on May 30 and will start at the Association on June 2. pic.twitter.com/gVD0B4PpdH

“We are closer than ever to passing fit-for-purpose legislation that treats the digital asset industry as the technological marvel it is, supporting innovation in the sector while providing important consumer protections,” the Blockchain Association said.

“Summer joins at a vital juncture as we make the final push to ensure we turn positive momentum to lasting law,” the organization continued.

Blockchain Association CEO Kristin Smith Praises Replacement

Mersinger replaces longtime Blockchain Association CEO Kristin Smith as the latter continues her career as President of the solana Policy Institute, beginning on May 19.

Smith praised Mersinger in a Wednesday morning X post, saying the Blockchain Association is in “excellent hands” with the regulator.

“At this pivotal moment for crypto in Washington, Summer is the perfect leader,” Smith said. “With 20+ years of experience across both chambers of Congress and the CFTC, she’ll play a key role in our industry’s future.”

Mersinger began her tenure at the CFTC in March 2022 under then-U.S. President Joe Biden, where she pushed for common-sense crypto regulation. Before her service at the agency, Mersinger worked under Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) for nearly two decades.

“It has been a privilege to work and serve at the CFTC in both the first and the current TRUMP Administrations, doing my part to assist in pursuing the President’s important policies,” Mersinger said in a May 14 farewell statement posted to the CFTC’s website.