USA Gymnastics names NBA executive Li Li Leung as new CEO

USA Gymnastics on Tuesday named NBA Vice President Li Li Leung its new CEO and president, months after its last leader resigned amid controversy.

Leung will become the fourth person to head the organization in the last two years, and will take over as USA Gymnastics grapples with a sexual assault scandal and other controversies in recent years.

“Like everyone, I was upset and angry to learn about the abuse and the institutions that let the athletes down,” Leung said in a statement. “I admire the courage and strength of the survivors, and I will make it a priority to see that their claims are resolved.

{mosads}”I look forward to collaborating with the entire gymnastics community to create further change going forward, which requires that we implement important initiatives to strengthen athlete health and safety and build a clear and inclusive plan for the future,” she added.

Leung competed in USA Gymnastics events as a child, and was a member of the University of Michigan gymnastics team. She currently leads the NBA’s marketing efforts, and previously worked with USA Basketball.

She will take over as head of USA Gymnastics on March 8, the organization said.

“Li Li’s unique combination of business skills, management experience and passion for gymnastics make her perfectly suited to lead our organization at this important time in our history,” Kathryn Carson, USA Gymnastics Board chairwoman, said in a statement.

Leung will replace former CEO Mary Bono, who resigned in October amid criticism for sharing an image of defaced Nike products in protest of the company’s support of former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick. She served as interim CEO for a total of four days.

The organization is still reeling from the fallout of the Larry Nassar sexual abuse scandal. Hundreds of women, including members of USA Gymnastics, came forward to allege the doctor had sexually abused them during medical examinations.

Nassar was sentenced in January 2018 to up to 175 years in prison for sexually abusing women and girls while he was a doctor for USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University.