Bo Hines Exits White House Crypto Council as Patrick Witt Steps In

Bo Hines has stepped down as Executive Director of the White House's Presidential Council of Advisers for Digital Assets, commonly referred to as the “crypto council,” marking a significant leadership shift within the administration’s digital asset advisory body. Hines, a former college football player and crypto investor, confirmed his departure via X, stating that he will return to the private sector while continuing to advise on artificial intelligence matters under White House AI and crypto czar David Sacks. His move follows a brief but active tenure in the role, during which he facilitated dialogue among the White House, the crypto industry, and lawmakers, meeting with over 150 stakeholders within his first three months [1].

Patrick Witt, the council’s deputy director and former Pentagon technology official, is set to take over as Executive Director. Witt previously served as Deputy Chief of Staff at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management during the Trump administration and has experience in government policy and national security. Despite lacking direct experience in the crypto industry, Witt is known for his strategic approach to technology investment as deputy director of the Office of Strategic Capital at the Department of Defense [2]. His leadership is expected to bring continuity to the council’s mission of aligning regulatory frameworks with technological innovation.

Hines and Witt share a history beyond their professional roles, having both been involved in college football. Hines and Witt both played at the collegiate level, with Witt as a quarterback at Yale University and a brief stint with the New Orleans Saints. Their shared background may serve as a bridge during the transition period.

The change in leadership is seen as a natural progression for Hines, who has previously held roles in both government and private industry. His departure is considered a return to his professional roots, while Witt’s promotion is expected to stabilize the council’s operations and maintain its current trajectory. Analysts and industry observers are monitoring the implications of Witt’s leadership on federal policy related to digital assets, including regulation, taxation, and international cooperation [3].

Although the White House has yet to issue an official statement on the transition, multiple independent reports confirm the shift is already underway. The leadership change raises questions about the council’s future priorities, particularly as Hines’ new advisory role involves artificial intelligence. However, no official signals indicate a significant pivot in the council’s focus. The transition appears to prioritize continuity over radical change [4].

The leadership shift underscores the evolving nature of digital asset policy within the executive branch. With Witt now at the helm, the council will continue to serve as a key conduit between the government and the crypto industry, shaping the regulatory environment as the sector matures.

Source:

[1] Cointelegraph - [https://cointelegraph.com/news/bo-hines-director-white-house-crypto-group-steps-down](https://cointelegraph.com/news/bo-hines-director-white-house-crypto-group-steps-down)

[2] Mitrade - [https://www.mitrade.com/insights/news/live-news/article-3-1026733-20250810](https://www.mitrade.com/insights/news/live-news/article-3-1026733-20250810)

[3] The Block - [https://www.theblock.co/post/366234/white-house-crypto-council-head-bo-hines-to-step-down-return-to-private-sector-report](https://www.theblock.co/post/366234/white-house-crypto-council-head-bo-hines-to-step-down-return-to-private-sector-report)

[4] Cryptopolitan - [https://www.cryptopolitan.com/executive-director-crypto-council-leaves/](https://www.cryptopolitan.com/executive-director-crypto-council-leaves/)