Ethereum Community Backs Danny Ryan for Foundation Leadership

The Ethereum community is backing Danny Ryan as the next leader of the Ethereum Foundation (EF). An informal poll shows overwhelming support, with 99% of voters backing Ryan. 

He is a former Ethereum researcher known for his role in Ethereum’s transition to proof-of-stake. While the vote is not official, it signals dissatisfaction with EF’s current leadership and a push for fresh technical direction.

The Vote for Danny Ryan as Ethereum Foundation Lead

A community-driven website launched a poll allowing Ethereum holders to cast their support for Ryan using an approval voting system. The process is gas-free and requires Ethereum wallets to sign on-chain votes. 

So far, over 300 wallets holding more than 50,000 Ethereum, worth $160 million, have voted in favor. Although this vote has no official weight, it is a powerful statement from the Ethereum community. 

Developer Fabrice Cheng, the creator of the voting platform, emphasized that his goal for the initiative is not about forcing a change. He said it provides a peaceful and transparent way for Ethereum holders to express their views without disrupting EF’s governance. This includes stakers, and decentralized finance (DeFi) participants.

Community Choose Danny Ryan Growing Calls for Leadership Reform

Danny Ryan has long been recognized for his technical expertise and deep involvement in Ethereum’s evolution. He is a key contributor to the network’s transition from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake, an event known as The Merge. 

He has played a pivotal role in Ethereum’s current framework. Supporters believe his leadership would bring renewed technical focus and momentum to the EF. Ethereum co-founder and Consensys CEO Joseph Lubin, along Ethereum France president Jérôme de Tychey is among those backing Ryan. 

The informal vote comes amid rising dissatisfaction with the current leadership of the Ethereum Foundation, particularly with Executive Director Aya Miyaguchi. Community members have raised concerns about inefficiencies within the EF, with some advocating for a shift toward more technical leadership.

Vitalik Buterin Holds the Key Decision

Despite the strong community backing, Vitalik Buterin still has the final say on Ethereum Foundation leadership. He recently reaffirmed that leadership decisions remain in his hands for now, though discussions about governance reforms are ongoing.

Ryan has acknowledged the movement and confirmed that he is talking with Vitalik and EF leaders about the potential transition. Whether an official decision will follow remains to be seen. 

However, the Ethereum community has made its stance clear. They want a leader who prioritizes innovation, and many believe Danny Ryan is the right choice.