Newsmakers - February 2024

Savage Arms Names CEO

Following longtime CEO Al Kasper’s retirement, Savage Arms’ President Chris Bezzina has added CEO to his title. Kasper will remain on the board of directors.

“Al’s impact is evident in every aspect of our company,” said Bezzina. “His knowledge in operations, finance and product development helped fuel our growth as a company. As the new leader of this organization, I look forward to continuing the momentum Al helped create, driving Savage to be an industry leader in innovative technologies, and expanding upon our best-in-class manufacturing capabilities.”

Bezzina joined Savage in 2007, where he led the engineering team. He then spent over 10 years in operations where he led the company’s new product development and manufacturing initiatives. 

Second Amendment Foundation Appoints Legal Operations Director

The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) has named attorney Bill Sack as its director of legal operations. Sack is responsible for oversight of SAF’s legal program to include litigation inception and management, tracking active cases, educating the public and cultivating SAF’s attorney referral network.

SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut stated, “His background in the Second Amendment space is key to ensuring our right to keep and bear arms continues to be defended at all costs.” 

Sack is a practicing attorney and graduate of The George Washington University and Widener Law School. He brings five years of experience in the 2A advocacy space to this role, which includes serving as director of legal operations for a liberty-based advocacy non-profit as well as a decade of experience in management, marketing and public relations.

Iron Valley Supply Co. Welcomes President/CEO

Iron Valley Supply Co. welcomed Clay Halla as its new president and CEO where he is focused on further expanding the company’s market presence, enhancing product offerings and ensuring Iron Valley remains at the forefront of industry advancements.

Halla brings experience and strategic leadership to Iron Valley Supply, having demonstrated remarkable success in distribution and supply chain logistics across multiple companies and sectors.

Hornady Taps Manufacturing Director

Hornady announced the appointment of Scott McKelvey as director of manufacturing where he oversees manufacturing processes throughout all production divisions.

President Steve Hornady said, “[McKelvey’s] proven capabilities in manufacturing management will undoubtedly increase our efficiency, productivity and quality; we’re excited for him to join our team.”

McKelvey has over 20 years of manufacturing and engineering management experience and most recently served as the plant manager at Unverferth (formerly Orthman Manufacturing).

He earned a B.S. in industrial engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Streamlight Inc. Hires Regional Manager

Evan Dalldorf joined Streamlight Inc. as the regional sales manager for the company’s Industrial/Fire division in the Midwest region. Dalldorf will work with independent sales representatives and distributors to drive sales and increase the market share of Streamlight lighting products designed for industrial and fire professionals. 

Mike Dineen, Streamlight CRO, stated, “We are certain that [Dalldorf’s] sales and account management experience will be a great asset to Streamlight’s Industrial and Fire division.”

Prior to joining Streamlight, Dalldorf was a sales agronomist/operations manager for Nutrien Ag Solutions. 

He earned a bachelor’s from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.

Dead Air Silencers Promotes Director

Tony Tarantino was promoted to the position of senior director of channel development for Dead Air Silencers. Tarantino will execute effective strategies and newly formed programs at the dealer, and consumer levels to increase exposure for the company’s brand and products. He will work closely with rep groups Rocky Mountain Rubicon, Simpson Sales and Dunkin Lewis to support needs in the field.

Ernie Beckwith, president and CEO of Dead Air Silencers, shared, “Tony’s expert management of our media channels aligns well with our goal to expand Dead Air’s sales footprint for 2024 and beyond. His experience in many roles in the industry will allow him to be precise and effective in his efforts.”

Tarantino, who has a lengthy career in the industry, previously served as the company’s director of marketing.

Riton Optics Retains Marketing Director

Trent Marsh has joined Riton Optics as its marketing director.

Marsh has 15 years of experience in the industry and held roles within the UTV, trail camera and optics categories. He is the current president of the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers and a board member of the Professional Outdoor Media Association.

NSSF Adds Compliance Consultant

The NSSF has welcomed Andrew Graham, recently retired ATF deputy assistant director and expert in federal regulatory compliance, to its compliance consultants team.

“We recognize our members’ desire to have a comprehensive team of experts available to assist them with their federal regulatory concerns … Andrew can help with this process,” said John McNamara, NSSF managing director, member services.

Graham held a variety of positions within the ATF during his 37 years of service. He established Graham Industry Advisor LLC in 2023, and is committed to upholding industry member firearm rights and compliance with the Gun Control Act and Safe Explosives Act.

Alpha Silencer Taps Brand Marketing Director

Miranda Cook is now serving as Alpha Silencer’s director of brand marketing and strategy. She will oversee creative services, brand marketing, multimedia, social media initiatives, content creation, event marketing and strategic marketing initiatives.

Buck Steele, president of Alpha Silencer, stated, “As Alpha Silencer disrupts the suppressor industry, Miranda’s talent will be crucial in spotlighting our premium brand, products and customer benefits.”

Cook joins Alpha Silencer with many years of experience in the industry, including serving as director of marketing at Primary Arms. 

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