Summer Mersinger will step down as CEO of the Blockchain Association on Oct. 16, with founding leader Kristin Smith returning as interim CEO. The leadership transition marks a significant shift for the crypto advocacy group as it navigates ongoing regulatory developments. SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce, who leads the agency's Crypto Task Force, has set her last day as Oct. 2. Peirce's departure removes a key pro-crypto voice from the commission ahead of anticipated regulatory changes in the sector.