Newsmakers
January 2023

Chiappa Firearms USA Appoints President

Chiappa Firearms Owner Rino Chiappa announced the recent appointment of Don Madole as president of Chiappa Firearms USA Ltd.

Chiappa shared, “I am pleased to have a person as perceptive as Don remain working alongside me. As president of our U.S. headquarters and plant, he will continue leading our team toward our vision for the future.”

Madole joined the Italian group’s U.S. subsidiary in May 2012, during which time he served as GM and most recently as VP.

Buck Knives Names Sales VP 

Mark Reasoner joined Buck Knives as the VP of sales where he leads the company’s internal and external sales organization and independent rep groups.

Lane Tobiassen, president of Buck Knives, stated, “I have no doubt Mark will drive our sales organization and company to new heights as we continue building on our 120-year legacy of great products and superior craftsmanship.”

Most recently, Reasoner was VP of sales at American Outdoor Brands. He has held executive-level sales positions with Drake Waterfowl, Eastman Outdoors and Pure Fishing.

Iron Valley Supply Co. Taps Acct. Manager

Iron Valley Supply welcomed Chris Bailey as an account manager.

Bailey joins Iron Valley with more than 10 years’ industry experience and is an NRA Certified Chief Range Safety Officer and Pistol Instructor. Prior to his experience in the firearms industry, he worked as a radio reporter and a public relations executive.

Second Amendment Foundation Hires Development VP

The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) welcomed Lauren Hill as VP of development. Hill is responsible for leading SAF’s fundraising and support efforts by identifying and creating new revenue streams and maximizing strategic partnerships.

SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut said, “Lauren’s efforts will enable SAF to continue and expand its mission of education and litigation for years to come.”

Hill brings over 15 years’ experience in the nonprofit fundraising field to her new role. She served in a variety of positions for the Firearms Policy Coalition, Safari Club International, Better Business Bureau, International Sports Council, MLB and the NFL.

She earned an MBA from the University of Phoenix and bachelor’s in communications from John Carroll University.

NSSF Adds Compliance Consultants

NSSF announced the additions of Judyth LeDoux, Patricia Smith and Dale Krupinski to its team of compliance consultants. They will assist with answering compliance hotline questions, conducting site visits through the NSSF Premium programs and with hosting live and online educational sessions.

LeDoux and Smith will join NSSF’s firearm retailer compliance consultants group, which offers expert guidance on federal regulatory compliance, and Krupinski will focus on providing expert guidance for Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) compliance.

“We are extremely pleased to have these three experts, each having decades of experience, amplify NSSF’s ability to provide guidance to federal firearms licensees and shooting ranges so they can be prepared for a compliance audit immediately or in the future,” said John McNamara, NSSF managing director, member services.

The Headrest Safe Co. Adds CMO, COO/CFO

The Headrest Safe Company LLC announced Louis Tuck assumed the role of COO and CFO, and Jeff Naranjo will assume the role of chief manufacturing officer. 

Tuck’s duties and responsibilities as COO include overseeing operational policies and procedures, planning, maintenance, compliance and efficiency, including human resources. As CFO, he is responsible for managing the financial actions of the company — tracking cash flow, analyzing strengths/weaknesses in the company’s finances and overseeing all aspects of its financial success including driving sustainable growth and minimizing losses.

Tuck graduated from the University of Alabama and became a partner in a top 30 accounting and tax advisory firm.

Naranjo oversees the company’s manufacturing processes as well as sources suppliers and vendors.

After earning a degree in construction management and building inspection technology, Naranjo spent 16 years in the A/V-IT industry.

RubLine Marketing Retains Strategist/Manager

Ryan Jennings joined RubLine Marketing as its new marketing strategist and account manager. He will develop full-scope marketing plans, evaluate and optimize campaigns, purchase media assets to execute initiatives and manage overall client strategies. 

“We’re thrilled to have a seasoned professional like Ryan join the RubLine Marketing team,” said Chase Rohlfsen, president of RubLine Marketing. “His decades of experience and knowledge of the outdoor space will bring incredible value to our clients.”

Jennings brings over 20 years of experience in sales and marketing to his new position, including stints with Grand View Media Group and American Exhibition Services. Most recently, he served as the VP of marketing and advertising for The Trussville Tribune.

USA Shooting Announces CEO

USA Shooting announced the appointment of Craig Kozeniesky as its new CEO.

Chad Whittenburg, chairman of the USA Shooting board and president of the USA Shooting Federation, shared, “Colonel Kozeniesky is a proven leader in the shooting industry and the Marine Corps, both in and out of combat. The results of our search yielded a true leader who is passionate about USA Shooting and who will work tirelessly to achieve the mission.”

Kozeniesky served in the Marine Corps for 27 years and is a combat veteran of Desert Storm, Iraq and Afghanistan. He has been connected with USA Shooting for over 10 years.

Creedmoor Sports Promotes Customer Care Manager

Creedmoor Sports promoted Melanie Harris to the position of customer care manager where she now oversees all customer service functions.

“Seeing her achieve the level of professional growth she has in such a short time is impressive, to say the least. I know our customers are in great hands with Melanie and her team,” said John Teachey, Creedmoor VP of operations and marketing.

Harris joined the company in 2020 as a customer service representative.

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