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Jerry Brito, the founding executive director of Coin Center, announced his resignation via the organization’s website on Monday. He stated that he would be stepping down by the end of the year. Alongside him, Robin Weisman, who has served as senior policy counsel since the inception of Coin Center, will also depart at the same time. Both Brito and Weisman will continue to serve on the board, ensuring some continuity in leadership as the organization transitions.
Leadership Transition at Coin Center
Coin Center has appointed Peter Van Valkenburgh, currently the director of research, to take over as executive director on January 1. Alongside this leadership change, Landon Zinda, who holds the position of policy counsel, will be elevated to policy director. Brito expressed confidence in Van Valkenburgh’s capabilities, stating, “Peter groks Coin Center’s mission better than anyone, and his depth of knowledge and experience at the intersection of crypto and constitutional law is unmatched.”
In his statements, Van Valkenburgh expressed enthusiasm for the future, emphasizing the increased importance of safeguarding digital civil liberties in the current landscape. He looks forward to driving Coin Center’s mission as it enters its next decade, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Reflections on Coin Center’s Journey
Earlier this year, Coin Center marked its tenth anniversary—a significant milestone for the organization. In his announcement, Brito reflected on the achievements of the past decade, stating, “Our goal at the outset was to secure time for Bitcoin to reach ‘escape velocity,’ and on that score, I think we succeeded.” Although he did not disclose his or Weisman’s future career plans, he underscored the importance of the work done at Coin Center in supporting and advocating for cryptocurrency initiatives.
Advocacy and Regulatory Challenges
Coin Center has been at the forefront of efforts to shape regulatory frameworks that foster cryptocurrency innovation while addressing legitimate concerns. The organization has focused on educating policymakers about the potential benefits and risks of blockchain technology, aiming to foster a supportive environment for technological advancement.
Earlier this year, Brito made headlines when he declined Senator Elizabeth Warren’s request for Coin Center to disclose its hiring practices, asserting that the organization is “under no obligation” beyond the legal public disclosures. He also publicly criticized Warren for her approach towards Coin Center.
Recently, Coin Center achieved a significant victory by winning an appeal to revisit a lawsuit against the US Treasury Department and IRS, which originated in 2022. This lawsuit contests a tax code amendment that mandates the reporting of transactions exceeding $10,000 for digital assets, treating them like cash. Many within the crypto community and privacy advocacy groups argue that this requirement infringes on privacy rights and likens it to financial surveillance.
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