U.S. Crypto Education Group, American Innovation Project, Gets First Director

The newest kid on the crowded block of U.S. crypto advocacy groups, the American Innovation Project, will soon have its first executive director, with the arrival of Allie Page, who was chief operating officer at the Blockchain Association — one of the industry’s leading lobbying organizations.

Page’s departure next month follows the Blockchain Association exit of CEO Kristin Smith, who became president of the Solana Policy Institute (SPI) in May and is also president of the board at AIP.

“Allie has the rare ability to build connections with stakeholders from across the political spectrum, and is someone our industry can count on to move the needle on the issues that will shape the future of U.S. innovation,” Smith said in a statement.

The nonprofit AIP will focus on hosting events to educate policymakers, not lobbying, and it muscles into an advocacy field already packed with organizations such as BA, SPI, the Digital Chamber, Crypto Council for Innovation, DeFi Education Fund, Solana Policy Institute, Coin Center and the National Cryptocurrency Association. Page said the group will help “ensure America’s leaders have the foundational knowledge they need to craft smart, balanced policies that promote innovation and ensure America leads the next generation of technology,” and it intends to hold a summit next year in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Before crypto, Page’s previous experience had more of an agricultural focus, with stints at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and Public Lands Council.