Janice R. Andrews
Coin Center, a prominent crypto advocacy and research organization, is undergoing significant leadership changes. Jerry Brito, the founding executive director, has announced his departure by year’s end, though he will maintain a position on the board. Senior Policy Counsel Robin Weisman is also stepping down but will remain a board member.
Peter Van Valkenburgh, currently serving as the director of research, will assume the role of executive director. Brito expressed confidence in Van Valkenburgh, citing his deep understanding of the organization’s mission and expertise in crypto and constitutional law.
Established in 2014, Coin Center has been instrumental in advocating for the cryptocurrency community’s rights. The organization focuses on policy research and advocacy rather than lobbying, aiming to shape discussions around digital assets. Brito believes Coin Center has largely achieved its initial goal of securing time for Bitcoin to reach “escape velocity,” but acknowledges ongoing challenges.
Presently, Coin Center is engaged in a legal dispute with the IRS over crypto tax reporting requirements stemming from the 2021 Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act. The organization argues that the law’s mandate for crypto users to share personal data for transactions exceeding $10,000 violates privacy rights. After an initial setback, the case has been revived by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, renewing Coin Center’s optimism.
As Coin Center marks a decade of service to the crypto community, the future plans of Brito and Weisman remain undisclosed. However, their contributions to the organization endure as they pass the torch to new leadership.
