Newsmakers - August 2025

FN America Promotes VP

FN America announced the promotion of Dan Hines from director of marketing to VP, commercial products. In this role, Hines will drive FN’s growth strategy through his leadership of the commercial and law enforcement sales, product development and marketing teams.

“I am confident Dan will continue to elevate our brand, strengthen customer relationships and lead our commercial and law enforcement teams to a new level of success,” said Mark Cherpes, president and CEO of FN America.

Hines earned a B.S. in systems engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point, a J.D. degree from Walter F. George School of Law and an MBA from Mercer University. He was an officer in the U.S. Army and served in the Iraq War.

Davidson’s Inc. Advances Sales Manager

In his new role as Davidson’s Inc. sales manager, James Point is wholly responsible for the sales office, all of its account executives and several remote account executives.

“When I first hired James, I knew he would one day be on our management team”, said Mike Massimo, Davidson’ VP of sales. “He is going to help take our sales team to the next level.”

Point joined Davidson’s during the company’s nationwide expansion of its sales force in 2019. He was instrumental in helping lead the formation of the Davidson’s South Carolina sales office. Point achieved a BBA from Capella University.

Savage Arms Announces Key Appointments

Savage Arms announced key promotions within the organization: Robert Gates is now serving as senior VP; Beth Shimanski was named VP of marketing; and Steve Colaluca has assumed the role of VP of operations – all firearms.

Gates oversees product development, sales and marketing for Savage Arms and the Bowtech Archery Group. He joined Savage in 2018 and was responsible for sales, marketing and product development. Prior to Savage, Gates held key roles at Smith & Wesson, GLOCK, Vista Outdoor and Surefire. 

Shimanski has overseen Savage marketing efforts since 2017 and is now also responsible for Bowtech Archery Group. Before joining Savage, she spent over a decade at Polaris Industries in international and product marketing roles.

Colaluca joined Savage Arms in 2013 and has held multiple positions at the Westfield facility. This new role adds the Lakefield, Ontario rimfire factory to his responsibility, while retaining oversight of operations, product strategy execution and business performance across both facilities.

Chris Bezzina, CEO/president of Savage Arms and Bowtech Archery Group, said, “We are excited to see how their continued contributions will drive our companies forward and enhance our ability to serve our customers with new, innovative and top-performing products.”

Hodgdon Powder Co. Mourns Co-Founder

John Brewster “JB” Hodgdon, co-founder of Hodgdon Powder Company, passed away on June 13, 2025.

With his brother, Bob, JB continued the legacy of Hodgdon Powder Company started by their father.

Hodgdon held many roles at the company: he packaged powder at the family dining room table, led international sales and served as the face of Hodgdon at industry trade shows. He served on the Hodgdon board in various roles, including board chair, and was named chairman emeritus in 2025.

Hodgdon was a devoted supporter of the NSSF, a lifetime benefactor member of the NRA, a life member of the Kansas State Rifle Association and a member of the Safari Club of America, Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited and the National 4-H Shooting Sports. He was a dedicated supporter of youth involvement in the shooting sports through his work with Philmont Scout Ranch.

He was inducted into the NSSF Hall of Fame in 2020, and was a co-recipient with his brother, Bob, of the NRA’s Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award in 2009. He also received the Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence Award in 2009.

Tom Shepherd, chairman of the board at Hodgdon, shared, “JB was a first-rate owner, an incredible professional and a valued friend and counselor to work for during my career. He will be deeply missed.”

Brownells Announces Passing

Long-time family patriarch, Frank Brownell, who served as president, CEO and chairman of the board at Brownells, passed away on June 18, 2025.

A statement released by the company expressed, “For nearly six decades, Brownell’s passion, vision and generosity shaped not only Brownells, but the entire firearms community. Friends and customers alike remember him greeting ‘long lines of friends’ at SHOT Show and the NRA Annual Meetings, championing gunsmithing and driving industry innovation.”

Son of Brownells’ founder Bob and his wife, Lois, he became involved in both the family business and the American gun industry at an early age. Brownell earned an advertising degree from the University of Iowa before serving as a U.S. Navy reservist.

In 1965, he joined Brownells full-time, laying out Big Book Catalog #18, and helped publish the first Gunsmith Kinks book in 1969 under the name “F. Brownell and Son.”

He became president in 1983, CEO in 2007 and chairman of the board in 2012, guiding Brownells for more than 40 years.

Silencer Central Welcomes CRO

Kelly Streiff has joined Silencer Central as the company’s new chief revenue officer.

“We are very excited to add someone of Kelly’s caliber to the leadership team,” said Brandon Maddox, Silencer Central founder and CEO. “She brings a wealth of knowledge and a history of success in the outdoor industry.”

Streiff brings more than 15 years of leadership experience in sales and marketing. She served as VP of sales and marketing at PROOF Research, and held leadership roles at Leupold & Stevens and Cabela’s.

NSSF Welcomes HR VP

Lisa Davis has joined the NSSF as its VP, human resources. She succeeds Deb Kenney, who recently retired after 29 years with NSSF.

“[Davis] brings a strong skillset and a wealth of experience that will greatly benefit NSSF, its members and the industry we serve,” said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF president and CEO.

Davis brings more than 25 years of human resources leadership experience across multiple industries, including firearms, e-commerce, healthcare, manufacturing and global IT consulting. Most recently, she served as human resources director at Gwynedd Manufacturing (Geissele Automatics).

Wing & Barrel Ranch Adds Sporting Operations Manager

As the sporting operations manager for Wing & Barrel Ranch, Brenna McCoubrey oversees the development and execution of all outdoor programming, including private instruction and field operations across the sporting clays course, archery range, pistol and rifle ranges, fly fishing and upland hunting. 

McCoubrey joins the team after serving as PR manager for SureFire LLC, and developing marketing plans and brand strategy for White Birch Armory.

Iron Valley Supply Promotes Director

In his new role as director of sales strategy for Iron Valley Supply, Jeremy Jester will lead a portion of its team of account managers with a focus on implementing innovative sales strategies, strengthening strategic dealer relationships and supporting the company’s ongoing mission to deliver integrity, service and value across its customer base.

Jester has played a pivotal role at Iron Valley Supply (formerly Bangers) for more than two decades as both an account manager and buyer.

He earned a B.S. in merchandising, design and production management from Auburn University.

Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors Welcomes Board Member

Chris Tymeson, chief deputy director of advocacy at Safar Club International recently joined the Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors’ board of directors.

“His experience, both in the field and in the halls of policy, will be an incredible asset as we work to expand youth outdoor opportunities across the country,” said Pass It On CEO Brittany French.

As SCI’s deputy director of advocacy, he works on governmental relations matters involving federal and state laws and regulations related to hunting and conservation within the U.S. and abroad.

Tymeson served as chief legal counsel for the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and was also the vice chair of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies legal committee. Prior to that, Tymeson served in the U.S. Army. 

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