Newsmakers
December 2023

XS Sights Retains Marketing Manager

Jeff King has joined XS Sights as marketing manager, where he will manage all marketing and advertising activities including the company’s website, coordinating and attending industry trade shows, overseeing social media efforts, video productions and sponsored events.

Zack Kinsley, XS Sights’ VP of business development, said, “Jeff brings a wealth of experience … particularly his expertise in managing trade shows and client relations, a skill that will be invaluable in our ongoing marketing efforts.”

King served as director of marketing for Triumph Systems, a St. Louis-based target and training manufacturer. He also assisted in product design and development, sales, customer service and represented the company at numerous trade shows.

Second Amendment Foundation Adds Board Members & VP

The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) announced the recent additions of Dan Mitchell, Matt Coffey (not pictured) and Tom Taylor.

Coffey joins SAF as the VP of communications with more than 20 years of experience from positions with Ducks Unlimited, the National Wild Turkey Federation and Sporting Classics magazine. He has also held positions in mainstream print and broadcast media.

SAF Founder and EVP Alan Gottlieb said, “[Matt’s] skills as a communicator and his experience in the industry will be increasingly important as we advance our mission of winning firearms freedom, one lawsuit at a time.”

Mitchell, founder of the Washington Civil Rights Association, and Taylor, CMO and EVP for commercial sales at SIG SAUER, were elected to the SAF board of directors.

Mitchell joins the board after being a plaintiff in the foundation’s ongoing federal court challenge of Washington State’s gun control Initiative 1639, and in other cases. His business, Sporting Systems, is located in Vancouver, Wash.

“As a firearms dealer in Washington state, [Dan] has literally been at Ground Zero in the fight against gun control demagoguery, and he brings that experience to the board at a time when we expect a great deal of activity,” said SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut.

Prior to joining SIG SAUER, Taylor served as SVP of sales and marketing and U.S. commercial sales for O.F. Mossberg & Sons, and VP of marketing and product development for Smith & Wesson.

Gottlieb shared, “[Tom’s] extensive background in the firearms industry will provide a wealth of knowledge and experience that will be critical as the foundation moves forward, expanding our activities into 2024 and beyond.”

Brownells Appoints Chief Revenue Officer

Brownells announced the promotion of Bryan Stuntebeck to chief revenue officer. He will drive growth and innovation across Brownells’ Direct Marketing and Crow Wholesale business divisions.

Pete Brownell, CEO and chairman of Brownells, said, “Bryan’s leadership has been instrumental in our company’s success, and we have full confidence in his ability to steer our revenue-generating efforts.”

Stuntebeck brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having served in various leadership capacities within Brownells.

Primary Arms Announces Promotions

Primary Arms announced the recent promotion of four team members. Özge Cumberland advanced to chief business development officer, Joyce Banda was promoted to CFO, Scott Tirman is now president of sales and Aaron Whatley is the VP of merchandising.

Cumberland joined the company in 2013, and most recently served as the SVP of business development. She will drive strategic business initiatives, foster partnerships and identify new growth opportunities.

Banda will oversee Primary Arms’ financial and accounting operations to drive strategic financial planning and sustainable growth. She will also continue to lead the legal and compliance teams. She joined the company in 2012.

In his role as VP of sales, Tirman will continue to leverage his extensive experience and expertise to support and enhance sales operations across the entire Primary Arms business. He joined the company in 2022.

Whatley now oversees Primary Arms’ expanding inventory, ensuring a diverse and high-quality range of products for shooting sports and outdoor activities enthusiasts. He has been with the company for over 11 years and has served in a variety of roles, most recently as senior merchandising director.

SIG SAUER Retains Advisor

Lieutenant General E. John Deedrick, former U.S. Military Representative to the NATO Military Committee has joined SIG SAUER as an advisor to CEO Ron Cohen.

“[Deedrick’s] keen understanding and expertise for the complexities of global defense is invaluable to broadening our worldwide reach,” Cohen said.

Deedrick served 35 years in the U.S. Army as an infantry and Special Forces officer. He commanded units at every level through multiple combat tours. His career culminated in serving as the United States Military Representative to the NATO Military Committee in Brussels, Belgium, where he represented the U.S. military position on all aspects of military advice and policy to NATO.

He is a graduate of The Citadel, holds an M.S. in management from Central Michigan University, an M.A. in strategic studies from the Air War College and completed the Executive Leadership Program from Kenan Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina.

Franchi Taps Product Manager

Robert (Bob) Kaleta has joined Franchi as the company’s product manager. In this new role, Kaleta will oversee the Franchi firearms product line as well as manage gear and accessories across all Benelli USA brands.

Timothy Joseph, VP of marketing, commented, “Bob brings another layer of experience to our seasoned team, including a strong knowledge in rifles and a deep understanding of process disciplines that support product management.”

Kaleta’s background includes serving as product manager for Remington, Zeiss Optics, Vanguard and Summit Outdoors.

Streamlight Inc. Advances Manager

Streamlight Inc. announced the appointment of Danny Williams to national sales manager – west supporting the company’s Industrial/Fire division. Williams will manage the company’s Western regional sales managers, as well as its manufacturers’ rep groups in the area. He will also focus on the expansion of geographic territory in the region.

Mike Dineen, Streamlight chief revenue officer, said, “He’s built an excellent reputation among his customers and peers for his industrial sales experience, wealth of product knowledge and stellar management skills.”

Williams began his tenure at Streamlight in 2007 as territory sales manager in the Southeast region.

National Deer Association Adds CMO

Jenifer Wisniewski has joined the National Deer Association (NDA) team as chief marketing officer. 

NDA President and CEO Nick Pinizzotto stated, “[Wisniewski’s] experience and reputation, combined with her impeccable track record, will help us provide even more value to deer, hunters and habitat.”

She brings experience from serving as director of marketing and special projects for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and as the marketing and communications manager for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

Chattanooga Shooting Supplies Inc. Welcomes Sales Rep

Justin Payne has joined Chattanooga Shooting Supplies Inc. (CSSI) as the national sales representative.

Bill Sumner, president of CSSI, shared, “His experience in sales management, business development and team leadership fits right in with our company’s goals, and we can’t wait to see how he’ll help us continue to succeed.”

In previous roles, Payne has overseen recruitment, business development and compliance efforts.

CCRKBA Elects Board Member

Holly Sullivan, president of the Connecticut Citizens Defense League, was recently elected to the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (CCRKBA) board of directors.

CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gottlieb shared, “Sullivan brings the perspective of a boots-on-the-ground activist and organizer to the table. She is in the right place at the right time.”

Sullivan works in the HR field and also serves on the DC Project advisory board.

Crow Shooting Supply Elevates Sales VP

Crow Shooting Supply announced the promotion of Shawn McGuire to VP of sales. McGuire will focus on strategically leading the Crow team into the future by working to create seamless experiences for shooting sports retailers.

Bryan Stuntebeck, CRO of Crow Shooting Supply, said, “We are confident that under Shawn’s leadership, Crow will continue to achieve its aggressive goals and cement the company’s position as a leading distributor in the market.” 

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