Gretchen Carlson is stepping down as Miss America chair after controversial stint

TIME

The former Fox News anchor was named chair of the Miss America organization in January 2018 following the previous regime's email scandal, and created an all-female leadership team. Yet the changes she enacted proved controversial, with several state pageants rebelling. Carlson's changes included the elimination of the swimsuit competition. “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,” Carlson said. “With a promising network partnership, the time is ideal to give new leadership the opportunity to move forward with what has been accomplished. Miss America will always be a part of who I am and I will enthusiastically watch as the organization continues to grow and succeed.”