Gretchen Carlson is stepping down as chairwoman of the Miss America Organization but she will remain an advisor to the board.

In a press release posted to their website Wednesday morning, Carlson said,

When I was asked to take this volunteer position over a year ago, I dedicated myself to helping the organization build on its history while working to secure its future and am extremely proud of the work we have collectively done. With a promising network partnership, the time is ideal to give new leadership the opportunity to move forward with what has been accomplished. Although I will not be a board member, at the request of the board, I’ve agreed to stay on as an advisor to the board to allow this work to continue. Miss America will always be a part of who I am and I will enthusiastically watch as the organization continues to grow and succeed.

With Carlson moving on, former South Dakota Secretary of State Shantel Krebs has been named as Chair and attorney Brenda Keith will serve as Vice Chair.

Carlson took over leadership of the Miss America Organization following an e-mail scandal in 2017 which top male leadership disparaged former Miss Americas, however, her leadership of the organization has not been seen as a smooth by many state organizations. Last summer, Carlson denied allegations by Cara Mund that she was silenced and bullied.

Citing high costs, CRDA announced the Miss America Competition would not be returning to Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. Just last week, it was announced that the competition would be moving from ABC to NBC, although a time or venue for this year's festivities has not yet been announced.

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