Newsmakers: March
2021 Issue

Written By Shooting Staff

2021

S. Tarani

FMG Publications Welcomes Writer

FMG Publications announced Steve Tarani joined the editorial team of American COP where he will write the new Life Skills column as well as develop videos for FMG’s various online channels.

GUNS Magazine Editor Brent T. Wheat shared, “I’m excited we could bring Steve aboard American COP and the whole FMG family. Steve is one of the most knowledgeable yet approachable trainers, and he also brings an incredible set of skills to the writing and video side of things. We’re lucky to have him: He brings even more world-class subject matter expertise and personality to our all-star team.”

Tarani’s career includes being a full-time Central Intelligence Agency protective programs employee and a defensive tactics subject matter expert who served on the POTUS 45 pre-election executive protection detail. He is the lead instructor for NRA’s nationally offered non-ballistic weapons training program; a DoD and FLETC-certified federal firearms instructor at Gunsite Academy; an adjunct instructor at the SIG SAUER Academy; and remains a service provider for DoD and other government agencies.

S. Boelter

Tactical Solutions Taps Product Dev. Director

Steven Boelter was recently hired to direct Tactical Solutions’ (TacSol) product development. His role will involve all aspects of product development, ranging from new product ideas, research and development, product testing and manufacturing support.

Dan Person, TacSol VP of product development said, “We had always hoped to work with Steve. When the opportunity to hire him came along, we jumped on it.”

Boelter joins Tactical Solutions after working for Anschutz North America for several years. He is well known in the firearms community for his knowledge and expertise in the rimfire industry.

S. Graham

D. Farrell

Christensen Arms Names VPs

Christensen Arms announced the addition of Stephen Graham as senior VP of marketing, and the promotion of David Farrell to VP of sales.

Graham will oversee all marketing functions of Christensen Arms with a direct focus on developing an extensive channel marketing program to drive consumer awareness at the dealer level. He will also orchestrate Christensen Arms’ experience events for consumers and dealers across the U.S. while partnering with key optics, camo, outfitters and training facilities. These events will help ensure consumers have the proper set-up for future hunting and shooting experiences.

In his role, Farrell will be responsible for all sales activities including management of the internal sales force and the national accounts manager.

Before joining Christensen Arms, Farrell was the national account manager for SIG SAUER. While there, he was also responsible for implementing the marketing strategy in the creation of the new SIG SAUER Hunting Ammo Division.

Jason Christensen, owner/CEO of Christensen Arms stated, “Each of them brings a wealth of experience to this already highly talented team. Our business is growing at an incredible rate … [their] leadership and the vision they bring will serve them well in their new roles.”

E. Philippi

E. Hickman

Riton Optics Announce Additions

Riton Optics is pleased to announce the addition of Emily Phillippi as the digital marketing manager, and Eric Hickman as brand manager.

Phillippi will be working to expand the company’s digital strategy and online visibility. She joins Riton Optics with nearly 10 years’ digital marketing experience.

Tony Tarantino, Riton director of marketing shared, “Emily brings an incredible balance to our team with a strong background in data analytics and digital strategy. She is a critical component for the continued growth of the company.”

Hickman is focusing on marketing programs, such as the ProStaff, brand ambassador and influencer programs, as well as industry relations.

Hickman has 21 years of law enforcement experience and earned a degree in accounting and finance from the University of Arizona.
Tarantino said, “Beyond Eric’s passion and experience with shooting and optics, he has a great ability to connect with people and effectively manage relationships.”

S. Contreras

1791 Gunleather Welcomes Sales Associate

1791 Gunleather welcomed Sebastian Contreras as an inside sales associate. He joins the team with a wealth of experience from around the globe in a wide range of industries, including defense and security services. In this new role, he will focus sales efforts for 1791 Gunleather in the Midwest and South-Central territories.

“We are excited about our ongoing growth and we’re thrilled to welcome Sebastian to the team,” said Alex Toussieh, COO of 1791. “He has an impressive resume in the realm of sales and customer service, as well as security and defense services. He will be an excellent fit here at 1791, and he will be great working with customers.”

A. Baer

HEA-USA Promotes Exec. Director

The IHEA-USA (International Hunter Education Association—USA) announced Alex Baer was promoted to executive director. Baer, formerly COO, replaces David Allen, who retired.

Baer commented, “Both the need to encourage new participants in hunting and the shooting sports and the industry’s ability to accept this challenge have never been greater. I see the education for tomorrow’s hunters and shooters continuing to expand into focused opportunities beyond a general education certificate. IHEA-USA will drive this evolution to uncover the interests and demographics of students and offer them relevant material to become safe, responsible and knowledgeable participants.”

Before joining the IHEA-USA, Baer consulted on projects for private industry as well as the Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports and the National Wildlife Turkey Federation. He was the sales director at onXmaps while also acting as R3 coordinator for onX where he built partner relationships with conservation NGOs, industry associations and state and wildlife organizations.

L. Cornicelli

Southwick Associates Adds Senior Analyst

Dr. Lou Cornicelli has joined Southwick Associates as a senior analyst where he will help manage statistical and survey-based projects and work with clients to find solutions to the most challenging problems.

Southwick Associates President Rob Southwick said, “Lou’s understanding of the challenges facing our community is a huge benefit to our clients, and his experience brings greater depth to our analytical and management teams.”

He holds a B.S. in natural resources from Cornell University, an M.S. in wildlife ecology from Southern Illinois University and a PhD in human dimensions from the University of Minnesota. Cornicelli has worked on a diversity of complex and high-profile projects throughout his career, including wildlife translocation, wildlife policy analysis and implementation, wildlife governance and decision-making, human dimensions research, evaluation of alternative deer hunting regulations and overseeing their ultimate implementation, plus wildlife disease research and management.

B. George

Blackbird Products Group Promotes VP

Blackbird Products Group, parent company of Mammoth Coolers, Mammoth PPE Products and ABKT (American Buffalo Knife & Tool), announced the promotion of Bob George to VP of sales, marketing and business development. George joined Blackbird in 2019, initially serving as director of sales, before assuming marketing responsibilities. George was previously Faxon Firearms’ director of sales and business development and Buck Knives’ VP of sales and marketing.

B. DuVall

USA Shooting Selects CMO

USA Shooting announced Buddy DuVall has assumed the role of chief marketing officer. He will oversee USA Shooting’s marketing efforts, partnerships, sponsorships and fundraising to support USA Shooting athletes at the highest level.

“Buddy has been associated with the U.S. Shooting Team for nearly 35 years, and is respected throughout our extensive network of sponsors, donors and partners,” said Matt Suggs, USA Shooting CEO. “I’m thrilled to have him back at USA Shooting.”

With more than 30 years of sales, marketing and fundraising experience, DuVall previously spent 10 years with USA Shooting as director of marketing and executive director of the USA Shooting Team Foundation from 2004–2014.

During DuVall’s first tenure, more than $7M in support was generated for athletes and programs through corporate partnerships, fundraisers and individual contributions.

A former National Team member and pistol shooter, DuVall represented the U.S. in more than 40 World Cup and international competitions and last competed internationally at the 2002 World Championships.

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Newsmakers: March 2021 Issue