Kerry Perry steps down as USA Gymnastics president as Nassar scandal continues to plague organisation

Emily Shugerman
Updated
President and CEO of USA Gymnastics Kerry Perry testifies during a hearing before the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee: Alex Wong/Getty Images
President and CEO of USA Gymnastics Kerry Perry testifies during a hearing before the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee: Alex Wong/Getty Images

USA Gymnastics President and CEO Kerry Perry has resigned after just nine months at the helm of an organisation struggling to recover from one of the largest sexual abuse scandals in US sports history.

Ms Perry took the reigns at USA Gymnastics in December, just weeks after former team doctor Larry Nassar admitted in court to sexually abusing underage women in his care. The disgraced doctor later received an effective life sentence for charges of sexual abuse and child pornography. The entire board of USA Gymnastics resigned in the wake of the judgement.

Ms Perry, a former vice president of a sports marketing company, was charged with overhauling USA Gymnastics and implementing 70 recommendations from former federal prosecutor Deborah Daniels for protecting young athletes. By the end of July, however, the organisation had implemented less than 50 per cent of the suggested reforms.

The pace of change was criticised by newly-hired United States Olympic Committee​ (USOC) CEO Sarah Hirshland, who said on Friday that USA Gymnastics was “struggling to manage its obligations effectively and it is time to consider making adjustments in the leadership”.

Ms Hirshland said USOC would reach out to the organisation over the weekend about possible changes.

On Tuesday, USA Gymnastics board chair Karen Golz released a statement thanking Ms Perry for her service, and announcing the creation of search committee for a new president and CEO. Board member and former Olympian Brent Lang will chair the search committee. A management committee lead by Ms Golz, board vice chair David Rudd, and board member Kathryn Carson will guide day-to-day operations.

Over the past nine months, Ms Goltz said, “USA Gymnastics has been focused on athlete safety and well-being and ensuring that programmes and protocols are in place to prevent all forms of abuse and to encourage athletes to speak up”.

She added: “This process has been challenging, and painful, but is a necessary step in moving the community forward.”