The Miss America Organization Board of Directors Announces Transition To New Board Chair and Vice Chair Gretchen Carlson To Remain As Advisor to the Board (2025)

In the News, Press Releases

The Miss America Organization Board of Directors
Announces Transition To New Board Chair and Vice Chair
Gretchen Carlson To Remain As Advisor to the Board

For immediate release

June 5, 2019

Having worked to put in place proper governance procedures, institute changes to advance the relevancy of the program for a new generation, and assist in securing Miss America’s return home to NBC Universal, the Miss America Organization (MAO) Board announced today that Board Chair Gretchen Carlson is passing the gavel to former South Dakota Secretary of State Shantel Krebs as Chair and attorney Brenda Keith as Vice Chair.

“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.” said Carlson. “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.”

The Miss America Board of Directors thanked Carlson for her leadership, commitment and service while welcoming Krebs and Keith to their new roles. “Gretchen worked tirelessly as Chair of the MAO Board of Directors to stabilize the program. As a board we acknowledge the vast support, time, and resources Gretchen has personally poured into the program and sincerely thank her for her dedication and service. We also are thrilled that Shantel and Brenda have agreed to lend their valuable talent, experience and expertise to leading the board as we approach this great institution’s 100th anniversary.”

The board unanimously elected Krebs as incoming Chair after having served on the board since October, 2018. Most recently Krebs was South Dakota’s Secretary of State, and also held the esteemed positions of both State Senator and State Representative for a decade. Krebs comes from a family of entrepreneurs and has owned and operated her own retail and consulting businesses in her home state. Before politics, she also had a successful career in the healthcare industry and competed in the Miss America Competition as Miss South Dakota 1997.

“As a female legislator, statewide elected official and entrepreneur, I understand how important it is to empower the coming generations of women to seek out how they can have a positive impact on our society by stepping up to the plate,” said Krebs. “I am excited to support MAO in the Chair role by helping to craft initiatives which will serve to inspire and motivate young women across the country to lead by example. I’ve been volunteering with the Miss America program for over twenty years; everything from a local executive director to making sponsorship calls for the state board.”

The board also unanimously elected Brenda Keith as Vice Chair. Before joining the MAO board, she served as the Executive Director of the Miss New Hampshire Organization. She serves as Chair of the State Licensing Committee, is an essential liaison between the board and the MAO state executive directors and has brought her decades of vast experience in volunteering within the organization to the national level.

Additional MAO board officers are Barbara Moore, Treasurer and Kathleen Neville, Secretary. Regina Hopper continues to volunteer as President and CEO. MAO board members and officers serve the organization as volunteers.

About the Miss America Organization

The Miss America Organization, a 501(c) (4), is one of the most recognizable household names in America working to empower young women through education and service. The Miss America Organization is comprised of 51 licensed state organizations, including all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Miss America candidates contribute tens of thousands of community service hours annually and have raised more than $17 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and Miss America scholarships since 2007. The Miss America Foundation, a 501(c) (3), provides academic, community service, and other scholarships to young women.

Follow “The Miss America Organization” on social media
Facebook: Miss America Organization @missamerica
Twitter: @MissAmerica
Instagram: @missamerica
Official website: www.MissAmerica.org
Hashtag: #MissAmerica

MEDIA CONTACT
info@missamerica.org

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The Miss America Organization Board of Directors Announces Transition To New Board Chair and Vice Chair Gretchen Carlson To Remain As Advisor to the Board (2025)

FAQs

Who is the chairman of the Miss America Organization? ›

In January 2018, Gretchen Carlson, who won the Miss America pageant in 1989, was elected as the new chairwoman of the organization, becoming the first former Miss America to serve as its leader.

Who is the chairwoman of the Miss America? ›

Carlson was Miss America 1989. She will be replaced by Shantel Krebs, the former South Dakota secretary of state. Attorney Brenda Keith will be vice-chair.

Who called Gretchen Carlson Miss Piggy? ›

Screenwriter William Goldman wrote a book in which he referred to her as Miss Piggy for being overweight when she was Miss America in 1989 (she was, in fact, 110 pounds).

Which Fox News anchor was a beauty queen? ›

Shannon Bream is a renowned American journalist and attorney. She participated in several high-profile beauty pageants and won some, including the 1990 Miss Virginia title.

Who is the current CEO of Miss America? ›

When Robin Fleming posted on her LinkedIn that “the first 90 days as CEO of Miss America Organization has been a whirlwind,” she wasn't lying. Over the past six years, America's oldest beauty pageant nearly crumbled under the weight of its former executive leaders.

What state has never won Miss America? ›

Eighteen states have never won Miss USA, including Alaska, Colorado, Florida, and Oregon. South Dakota, Maine, and Wyoming have also never had a winning contestant.

Does Miss Piggy have a boyfriend? ›

Since the debut of The Muppet Show, the romantic relationship between Miss Piggy and Kermit the Frog has been subject to substantial coverage and commentary by the media. Throughout The Muppet Show's run, Miss Piggy's romantic pursuit for Kermit was consistently expressed.

What gender is Miss Piggy? ›

Miss Piggy is a prima-donna pig who is absolutely convinced that she's destined for stardom, and nothing is going to stand in her way. Her public face is the soul of feminine charm, but she can instantly fly into a violent rage whenever she thinks she's insulted or thwarted.

What type of pig is Miss Piggy? ›

Pig Miss Piggy

Miss Piggy and Wutz are red-colored Husum pigs.

Who is Sean Hannity's current partner? ›

Who is the black female anchor on Fox? ›

Harris Faulkner
Occupation(s)Television presenter and news anchor
EmployerFox Entertainment
SpouseTony Berlin ​ ( m. 2003)​
Children2
3 more rows

Who was the female anchor that sued Fox News? ›

Gretchen Carlson, an acclaimed American journalist, made headlines in 2016 after she made sexual harassment allegations against her boss, ex-Fox news CEO Roger Ailes.

Who runs the Miss America pageant? ›

The Miss America Pageant and its sponsor, the Miss America Organization, has evolved from a beach-side showcase for frolicking bathing beauties to a competition that still includes bathing suits, but now emphasizes scholarships and social causes.

Who is the CEO of Miss USA? ›

SARASOTA, Fla., May 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Miss USA is evolving and that's a good thing.

Who is the new owner of the Miss Universe organization? ›

Based in New York City and Bangkok, it is currently owned by the Thai JKN Global Group since 26 October 2022, when the former owners WME/IMG sold the pageant.

Why did Miss America quit? ›

In her resignation letter, portions of which leaked to the press, 24-year-old Voigt describes a “toxic work environment” within the Miss USA Organization that has badly affected her physical and mental health.

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