In the past 48 hours, there has been much chatter in the industry about leaked emails where members of the Miss America Organization board have used derogatory terms to refer to the women who have represented the brand during and post-reign. These emails circled around CEO & Chairman, Sam Haskell, Lynn Weidner (Chairman of the Board), and Josh Randle (President & COO).

Dan Meyers, who has served as the board’s 2nd vice-chair, stepped into the role of interim chairman earlier today. And with that, the following statement was released:

This afternoon, the Board of Directors of the Miss America Organization accepted the resignation of Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Sam Haskell, effective immediately. The Board of Directors also accepted the resignation of Chairman Lynn Weidner.  At the Board’s request, Ms. Weidner has agreed to remain on the Board for up to ninety days to facilitate a smooth transition for the MAO to new leadership.  

The Board thanks Lynn and Sam for many years of tireless work for, and significant financial support to, both the Miss America Organization and thousands of young women who received millions of dollars of educational scholarships from the Organization as a direct result of their efforts.

We will continue to update our #MissAmerica readers, in regards to new updates about any further changes/additions to the MAO Board.