For the first time in the organization’s history, Miss America will be led entirely by women including its CEO who has ties to the Twin Lakes Area.
The Washington Post reports the Miss America organization has appointed Regina Hopper as its president and CEO.
Hopper was Miss Arkansas 1983 and is an attorney and TV journalist. She is a former correspondent for CBS News, where she won an Emmy for her work on the show 48 Hours. Hopper’s father, Bobby, is a Baxter County native, former Arkansas Highway Commissioner and for whom the Sheid-Hopper Bypass is named.
Hopper told the Associated Press she hopes young women will realize Miss America is now being led by women who have been through the program and have been helped by it, and that they will seek the same benefits from it.
She said, ” By putting female leadership in place, we hope to send a strong signal. We want young women to see Miss America as a place where they can come and benefit and be empowered.”
Hopper replaces Sam Haskell, whose emails about the intellect, appearance and sex lives of former Miss Americas led to his departure and a revamping of the groups top leadership in December.
In her new role, Hopper is responsible for day-to-day operations and the television broadcast.
As Miss Arkansas 1983, Regina won the non-finalist talent award at the 1984 Miss America competition and led that years Miss America USO overseas tour. She is a graduate of the University of Arkansas School of Law and Fulbright College.
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.
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