Newsmakers: June
2021 Issue

Primary Arms Promotes, Hires Several

In addition to announcing the promotions of Joyce Banda to VP of compliance, Jimmy Durham to senior manager of customer service, storefront and FFL operations and Keith Goodrum to social media and forum moderator, Primary Arms welcomed two new hires to the team: Noelani Eichner as graphic designer and Katie Ryan as U.S. field sales manager.

Banda began her tenure as purchasing manager in 2012 before being promoted to director of global sourcing in 2015. She was named managing director of Primary Arms Optics two years later.

Durham, a U.S. Army veteran who joined the company in 2017, most recently served as the customer service and storefront manager.

Since his start in 2016, Goodrum has operated in critical positions across Primary Arms’ optics sales team, customer service team and merchandising team. In his new role, he will leverage his relationships and expertise to help build the company’s online presence by providing followers with more engaging content and discussion to build out the Primary Arms community.

Eichner is responsible for the Primary Arms’ graphic content across the government, optics and retail business groups. She joins the company with 20 years’ design experience in the firearms industry, including positions with NSSF where she assisted with the organization’s rebrand in 2009 and SHOT Show logo design in 2010.

Ryan joins the company with a wealth of experience in firearms sales and customer service relationship management from positions at VLTOR Weapon Systems and Safari Club International.

Springfield Armory Names L.E. Sales Manager

Following a distinguished 21-year-career in law enforcement, Fred Mincks has joined Springfield Armory as its new law enforcement sales manager.

Peggy Hickenbottom, VP of distribution for Springfield Armory said, “[Mincks’] extensive experience in law enforcement and as a U.S. Army combat veteran will make him an incredibly valuable resource as a liaison between Springfield Armory and the law enforcement community.”

Most recently, Mincks served in the corporate policing world where he was the lead investigator for John Deere’s World Headquarters in Moline, Ill. He retired from the Moline Police Department in 2018 as a senior operations sergeant.

International Case Co. Advances Operations VP

International Case Co., exclusive distributor for Negrini of Italy, has promoted Jon Reddout to VP of operations. He has been with Negrini for seven years and was instrumental in the company’s relocation to the Fort Smith, Ark. area and subsequent growth.

“Jon’s attention to detail, budgetary focus, expertise in digital media, e-commerce, customer service and overall positive attitude have helped drive our business to the next level and allowed for further investment in the scaling of our business,” said Scott Ashton, International Case Co.’s director of sales and marketing.

During his tenure, Reddout has developed the company’s web presence, increased SEO, streamlined operations, developed digital media and had a hand in product development and back-end operations.

SAAMI Advances, Adds Directors

The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) announced the promotion of Brian Osowiecki to director of regulatory affairs, as well as the additions of Alan Serven as senior director of technical affairs and Alexander “Nico” Wirtz as director of international affairs.

Working with the SAAMI Logistics and Regulatory Affairs Committee (SLARAC), Osowiecki will be responsible for coordinating committee work on shipping, packaging and all logistical matters pertaining to the transportation of industry products, including ammunition, propellant and primers.

“Brian has demonstrated a thorough understanding of industry regulatory and compliance matters during his time at SAAMI and has earned this opportunity to lead the organization’s efforts in this area,” said SAAMI President and CEO Joe Bartozzi.

In addition to his 25 years in the industry, Serven has served on SAAMI committees and brings experience in the design, manufacture and testing of smokeless propellant, small arms ammunition and sporting rifles to this new role.

In his new role, Wirtz will apply his decade-long experience in coalition building and strategic communications, as well as his ability to navigate complex policy issues and political environments at the United Nations, the European Union and national governments on behalf of SAAMI.

“We are pleased to have two respected, experienced professionals like Alan and Nico join the SAAMI team,” Bartozzi shared. “Their skills will greatly benefit the members of our industry as well as our organization.”

NWTF Names Gov. Affairs Director

Matt Lindler was recently named the National Wild Turkey Federation’s (NWTF) new director of government affairs where he will play a key role ensuring the NWTF’s mission is represented on Capitol Hill.

“For decades, Matt has demonstrated he is a staunch and effective communicator of NWTF’s multifaceted mission,” said NWTF CEO Becky Humphries. “His experience communicating the NWTF’s policy agenda, coupled with his insight on NWTF’s conservation delivery, makes him an ideal candidate for this role.”

Lindler began working for the NWTF in 1998 as a staff writer and photographer and held various positions, including founder and editor of JAKES Magazine (now JAKES Country), editor-in-chief of Turkey Country magazine, VP of communications, and, most recently, director of conservation communications.

Bangers LP Grows Sales Team

Bangers LP welcomed John Horner and Louis Reich to serve as account managers on its growing sales team.

“We are pleased to have John and Lou join our veteran sales team here at Bangers. Their wealth of product knowledge and experience working behind the counter will be a true asset to our retail partners,” stated Jeff Pugh, Bangers VP of sales.

Prior to his new role at Bangers, Horner owned a gun store and was a civilian sales account manager at Raven Concealment.

Reich’s experience stems from his service in the USMC, gun-store retail and role as product manager at Raven Concealment.

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