Leading cryptocurrency and blockchain companies have formed the Digital Asset Trade Association to represent the burgeoning industry. The new group said in a statement it currently is searching for an executive director.

"The impetus to form DATA is the need for a single trusted voice and continued crypto/blockchain industry support as more states, regions and nations create legislation," the statement said.

DATA has an office in Cheyenne, Wyo., and plans to open another in Washington, D.C., said Blain Rethmeier, managing director of Ditto PR and a member of the group's steering committee.

The group is starting in Wyoming in recognition of what it called forward-looking legislation being considered in that state.

In addition to Rethmeier, The DATA steering committee is composed of:
• Brent Cohen, director of marketing communications, WAX/OPSkins
• Alanna Gombert, chief revenue officer, MetaX
• Brittany Kaiser, co-founder, Bueno Capital and CryptoHQ
• Alex Lightman, CEO, TokenCommunities PLC.
• Jill Richmond, senior vice president, Sparkchain
• John Wise, founder and CEO, Loci.

MORE CEO DATELINE

• Associations blast Trump tariff decision
• American Psychological Association to participate in gun control march
• Video game association CEO meets with Trump to discuss gun violence
• Groups voice concern, support for association health plan rule
• Report: People confusing National Restaurant Association with National Rifle Association