USA Gymnastics President Steve Penny resigned Thursday amid claims the organization responded too slowly to sexual abuse allegations, roughly a week after U.S. Olympic Committee officials reportedly called for his ouster.

The board believes this change in leadership will help USA Gymnastics face its current challenges and implement solutions to move the organization onward in promoting a safe environment or its athletes at all levels, Paul Parilla, USA Gymnastics chairman, said in a statement.

Penny was named president of USA Gymnastics, the sports Indianapolis-based national governing body, in 2005 after joining the organization in 1999. Under his leadership, dozens of athletes have accused the organization of mishandling complaints related to sexual abuse.

Penny said he quit solely to support the best interests of USA Gymnastics at this time.

We all care deeply about the safety of our athletes, which is fundamental to a rewarding experience at any level of gymnastics, Penny said in a statement. It has been heartbreaking to learn of instances of abuse and it sickens me that young athletes would be exploited in such a manner.

Parilla will lead the organization while it searches for a new CEO.

Pennys ouster follows an Indianapolis Star report in December that revealed 350 gymnasts had alleged abuse in gyms over two decades, and that top USA Gymnastics officials mishandled complaints and allowed accused coaches to move from gym to gym.

Penny, 53, has denied any wrongdoing, although he has acknowledged he was personally responsible for handling the complaints.