Announced.....Miss America 2018 Preliminary Judges

The Miss America Organization has just announced who will have the difficult job of choosing the next Miss America. The panel consists of a former titleholder, an actor, a journalist, a lawyer and more. Find out who they select as top finalists on September 10, 2017 at 9 p.m..
The preliminary panel of judges includes Carolyn Conrad, an entertainment lawyer; Karen Knutson, a government affairs and policy leader; Kate Bennett, a CNN White House Correspondent; Patrick Rush, who works in casting; Rusty Joiner, an actor; Susan Perkins Botsford, Miss America 1978; and Vivian Nixon, an artist, producer, director, dancer and choreographer. Each judge will bring a unique skill set to the table when selecting our top finalists for Miss America 2018.
About Carolyn Conrad

Carolyn Conrad is an entertainment lawyer and is a partner in her law firm, Schrek, Rose, Dapello & Adams. She has been working as an entertainment lawyer for over a decade in California. Conrad has interacted with many stars in her line of work and will bring unique skills to the judging panel.

About Karen Knutson

Karen Knutson is the Government Affairs & Policy Leader for GE Oil & Gas in Washington, D.C., and has been working in legislation and policy work since 1999. Knutson has worked in the Office of the Vice President of the United States, U.S. Senator Sam Brownback’s Office, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski’s Office and more. She certainly knows what it takes to be a well-spoken leader on tough topics.

About Kate Bennett

Kate Bennett is White House reporter for CNN and a co-host for the podcast show COVER/LINE. Bennett covers the Trump family, the First Lady, the East Wing and a mashup of style and buzz in the capitol. She has been a lifestyle journalist for almost 20 years, following people, pop culture and politics. Bennett can spot what is trendy in today’s society and who may fair well in the public spotlight.

About Patrick Rush

Patrick Rush specializes in casting and is credited with finding stars in “Dawson’s Creek,” “Everwood,” “Party of Five,” and more. Rush has been nominated for six Casting Society of America Awards for a miniseries called “In Cold Blood.” He certainly knows how to pick the perfect person for a role and will do so with this year’s Miss America

About Susan Perkins Botsford

Susan Perkins Botsford represented Ohio when she won the Miss America title in 1978. Since her year of service, she has stayed involved in the Miss America Organization, helping as an emcee for numerous state pageants, performing on many Miss America telecasts and singing professionally. Botsford and two other Miss Americas volunteered with U.S. troops and toured Iraq in 2009. She knows exactly what it takes to fulfill the role of Miss America.

About Vivian Nixon

Vivian Nixon’s many talents have led to success both on and off screen. She has appeared in shows such as “Grey’s Anatomy” and Broadway’s “Hot Feet.” She has also had a successful producing and directing career. She knows talent when she sees it and will be a fabulous judge of this year’s Miss America class.
Stay tuned to find out who will be selected as the telecast judges for the Miss America 2018 pageant and which titleholders will move on to the final rounds of competition!

About Rusty Joiner

Rusty Joiner began his career as a model and appeared in campaigns for Abercrombie & Fitch, Levi’s and Prada. He appeared on the cover of Men’s Fitness Magazine a record number of 12 times. Joiner then transitioned into acting and made his way to Hollywood’s “Ones to Watch” list of up and coming stars. He starred in independent feature “Voiceless,” which has received critical acclaim.