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Rightsizing Vs. Merely Downsizing

January 16, 2026

by John Richardson 3 Comments

Amanda Suffecool is now the chair of the NRA’s Special Committee on Reorganization and Leadership. As I noted in my report on the NRA Winter Board Meeting, there was a great deal of discussion within that committee on finding the right size for the Board of Directors. There were quite a diversity of comments and suggestions. They ranged from leave it as is to set up a board of 12 paid managers.

Amanda has sent me an open letter that she requested I post which I was more than happy to do. The letter includes some of her thoughts on the matter. I am in full agreement that the Board needs to be a working board. There is no room for slackers who just want the title of being a director without putting in the work. The days of giving out honorific directorships similar to honorific doctorates awarded at university graduations are over.

More importantly, Amanda wants your thoughts on rightsizing the NRA Board of Directors. You can send your thoughts and ideas to her a couple of ways. First, she requested that you use eyeonthetargetradio@icloud.com if you want to use email. Second, there is good old USPS snail mail. The address there is PO Box 77, Wayland, Ohio 44285.

Her open letter in its entirety is below:

An Open Letter to Our Members 1/15/26
From the Chairman, Committee on Reorganization and Leadership

Dear NRA Members,

The Committee on Reorganization and Leadership has been hard at work on several important initiatives—one of which concerns the composition of our Board. You may hear this referred to as board size, board reduction, or, less charitably, tossing the bums out. I prefer to call it right-sizing the Board—ensuring that it is structured appropriately for the work our organization must accomplish.

Many voices are calling to make the Board smaller. But before we decide that a smaller Board is the answer, we must ask the more important question: What problem are we trying to solve? Reducing the number of members may not be the root issue—it may be merely one proposed solution.

So, I ask you to think deeply and share your thoughts. What are the real concerns driving these calls for change? Is it cost? The potential for misuse of resources? Challenges in decision-making? Comparisons to other organizations? Identifying the true problem allows us to address it effectively and craft lasting solutions.

Here are some key issues I believe we need to acknowledge and tackle:

1. A Trust Problem

We have faced serious challenges that tested the very stability of our organization. At one point, we were just a few votes away from losing everything. The battles on the Board floor were intense and critical. As we now consider ideas like appointing board members instead of electing them, I urge caution. Ask yourselves—Who do we trust enough to make those appointments? At this time, I would argue the answer is, quite simply, no one.

2. An Attendance Problem

Too often, Board members have been elected and then disappeared—never showing up, never contributing. This is a working Board, and that means full participation. Members must be active in committees, attend meetings, understand the ongoing motions and votes, and be able to speak knowledgeably about the issues before us. We need engaged members who are present and committed.

3. An Attitude Problem

Some Board members have seen their role as one of directing others rather than doing the work themselves. That won’t do. This organization needs leaders who contribute—who lend their skills, their networks, and their energy. This is not a role for those who want to take; it’s for those who want to give.

The Committee on Reorganization and Leadership has already taken steps to address some of these issues:

Attendance Accountability: We passed a resolution ensuring that attendance is now a key factor in the renomination process. Any member missing more than one-third of meetings in their three-year term will not be automatically reconsidered. They may still choose to run by petition, but effort will be required to retain their seat—a reminder that commitment matters.
Committee Reporting and Performance: Each committee now operates under a multi-step reporting plan with defined goals, milestones, and measurable outcomes. Committees must clarify their mission, track progress, and report results to the Board. We’ve enlisted members with expertise in key performance indicators to help guide this process.
Ongoing Reforms: We are developing further measures that define the responsibilities and expectations of all Board members to ensure that each plays an active role in the organization’s success.

But now, back to the central question—Board size. Before we can decide what the right number is, I need your help in understanding why you believe a smaller Board is better. I’ve heard many suggestions: smaller boards, appointed boards, boards limited to specific skill sets. These may all merit discussion—but please, let’s not start with the solution.

Help us start with the why.

With respect and appreciation,

Amanda Suffecool
Chairman, Committee on Reorganization and Leadership

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NRA Winter Board Meeting Report

January 15, 2026

by John Richardson 5 Comments

The NRA winter board meeting held in Reston, VA has come and gone. Preceding the actual Board of Directors meeting were two days of committee meetings. This was reduced from the previous three days as was traditional in the past. Moreover, many committees held meetings online and thus were not holding in-person meetings in Virginia.

As one might expect, the relationship between the NRA and the NRA Foundation was a major topic of discussion in the Legal Affairs Committee, the Board meeting itself, and in the bar area where many directors gathered in the evening. I did attend the Legal Affairs Committee meeting on Thursday where virtually all discussion of it was held in executive session. Thus, I cannot go into the detail discussed there. However, the complaint filed in US District Court is a public document and lays it out in great detail. I would especially look at paragraphs 74 through 77.

Another thing I found especially noteworthy was the attendance to the committee and Board meetings by the runners-up who replaced those directors who had resigned in recent months. It is even more noteworthy in that only three out of the eight directors will be on the 2026 ballot. Many would have just blown it off given they had to disrupt their lives and fly or drive to northern Virginia just to attend one meeting when come April they would be off the Board. I loved their level of commitment and hope that they will run again in the 2027 election.

The newly seated directors included David Mitten, Mark Shuell, Lucretia Hughes Klucken, Steve Dulan, Charles Rowe, Todd Figard, Regis Synan, and Todd Vandermyde. The last three listed – the two Todds and Regis – will be on the 2026 ballot for the NRA Board of Directors election.

The other committee meeting I attended on Thursday was the Special Committee on Organization. It had been chaired by Ronnie Barrett and is now chaired by Amanda Suffecool given Ronnie’s resignation from the Board. The first discussion was about committee responsibility statements and key performance indicators (KPI) for each committee. The Final Judgment from the trial in New York required the NRA and this committee to study committee scope. While most committees have complied with this requirement, a few have not and this will be followed-up to assure compliance. The Special Committee wants each committee to have measurables such that their success (or failure) can be assessed.

One of the most common complaints heard about the Board is that it is too large and should be down-sized. This was also on the agenda of the Special Committee on Organization. There was much discussion on this within the committee and every one who attended was given a chance to offer their views. Judge Phil Journey offered a plan for a “bi-furcated” board which would split the current Board into a “business & political” board and a Discipline board. The latter would deal with all the competition, hunting, youth, etc. issues while the former would handle the management or political issues. Jeff Knox proposed a small management board of perhaps 12 or so with a large Board of Advisors to fill out the committee assignments and fund raising. It should be emphasized that there were many differing opinions and there is no consensus on what “right-sizing” the Board means. Thus, Amanda charged Gen. Jack Hagan with setting up a select sub-committee of three to further study the issue and report back in April.

Friday morning I did not have an assigned committee meeting so I attended the NRA Media Committee. That committee was formed from the merger of Publications Committee with the Public Affairs Committee. Like the Special Committee on Organization, it is chaired by Amanda Suffecool. Mike Sanford who is the Director of Publications presented the plan for going digital, the consolidation of publications, and the revenues from 2025 and what it will look like going into 2026. The good news is that advertising commitments have put anticipated ad revenue at almost 50% of the planned budget and it is only January. Some major advertisers like Silencer Central stopped in mid to late 2025 as they were absorbing the $200 NFA tax until the zero tax kicked in on January 1st. It should be noted that going digital will have an impact on the ad revenues.

There was extensive discussion regarding the plans to only publish print editions of the American Rifleman and American Hunter quarterly. There is a contingent of members who still want to hold the magazine in their hands. There was a suggestion to rotate the quarterly printing such that a print edition comes out monthly with each third of the membership getting a physical magazine quarterly. Another suggestion that will be studied is whether those that really want a monthly print edition would be willing to pay an additional amount to cover the cost of printing and mailing it. The good thing is that that issue is not being ignored and the NRA is listening.

On Friday afternoon I had a scheduling conflict. I sit on both the Membership and the Legislative Policy Committee. Given the importance of the mid-term elections, I went with Leg Policy. In open session we heard reports from the head of ILA John Commerford, Gordon Speed who directs Federal Affairs, Dan Reid who oversees State & Local, and James Baranowski who handles International Affairs.

With regard to the DOJ, Commmerford noted that the response to the NFA lawsuits was written by a Biden holdover. However, he was pleased with Asst AG Harmeet Dhillon and the role she has played on 2A issues within the Office of Civil Rights. Additionally, a Second Amendment office has been established in DOJ which currently has one full-time employee who just happens to be a former NRA employee. There was a lot of discussion regarding Virginia from both anti-gun legislative perspective and the managerial perspective of its impact on NRA operations. There are a lot of bad bills that will be coming out of Virginia. It was noted that Gov-elect Abigail Spanberger’s future aspirations – US Senate or more – will come into play to moderate some of this. Additionally, litigation in both state and Federal court is envisioned. Many Virginia circuit courts are headed by Republicans and the Republicans hold a majority on the Virginia Supreme Court.

On the Federal level, Speed noted that HB 38 – National Right to Carry – still has some potential to pass in the House but it is weak. The death of Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) and the resignation of Rep. Marjory Taylor Green (R-GA) do not help. The NRA is also working to keep veterans from having their 2A rights taken away just because they need assistance with managing their money. While an amendment in the recent National Defense funding bill prevents it, they are working on a more permanent solution. Also being studied is the impact of marijuana rescheduling along with the need for 2A protections in any crypto regulation.

There is more from this committee but I think I will reserve it for another day. One thing that has been decided is that the Legislative Policy Committee will be meeting on a monthly basis by Zoom/Teams in between the face-to-face meetings around the Board meetings. I think this is good news.

Now to the Board meeting itself.

It started at 9am and ended at just after 5:30pm. Given my first two Board meetings ran well into the evening, that was remarkable in and of itself! The meeting started with the usual formalities including the prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, National Anthem, adoption of the agenda, and approval of the prior meetings minutes. Along the way, the new members were sworn in and presented with their special lapel pins. Then came the reports from the officers and directors.

President Bill Bachenberg spoke about the implementation of zero-based budgeting, the reorganization efforts, and the use of technology to help implement our mission. He also said that the various committees meeting outside of this meeting are really doing the necessary work. First VP Mark Vaughan followed this with his report saying this meeting was dedicated to the memory of the late Museum Director Phil Schreier. He continued by recognizing the role of the new Board members and the expectation they will get involved. Then Second VP Rocky Marshall gave a short report that emphasized the we need to hold Friends of the NRA dinners and urged Board members to participate or even host dinners. These could also be fund raising events for ILA or for the 501c4 activities of the NRA. The bottom line is the need to raise money.

Following the reports of the elected officers came the reports from EVP Doug Hamlin, Exec. Dir. of General Ops Josh Savani, Exec. Dir. of ILA John Commerford, Secretary John Frazer, Treasurer Mike Erstling, and CCO Matthew Boyden. Of note was Hamlin’s report that the NRA has 5-6 major initiatives running simultaneously, that this was the first time in years with a balanced budget, that publications took a hit in the reorganization, and finally that the NRA v. NRA Foundation lawsuit was a last resort that was forced upon the NRA.

The meeting then moved to Executive Session. All I can say is that the directors had many questions about the budget and that CFO Mike Erstling and Finance Committee Chair Jonathan Goldstein provided comprehensive, in-depth answers.

Coming out of Executive Session, the meeting continued reports from numerous committees. First was the Executive Committee report by President Bachenberg in which the expansion of the number of trustees for the NRA Special Contribution Fund (Whittington Center) was noted.

The Executive Committee had two vacancies due to the resignations of Bob Barr and Barbara Rumpel. The Nominating Committee nominated BG Jack Hagan to fill the Barr vacancy and yours truly to fill the Rumpel vacancy. We were both elected unanimously. I should note that I did not seek this nomination, was surprised to be asked, and will do my best to fulfill this obligation.

Bylaws & Resolutions reported a number of resolutions. Some of these were withdrawn and reported back to committee for more work. Two bylaw amendments were passed. The first amended Article III, Sec. 11(d)(9) to require the inclusion of both dissenting and concurring reports (if any) of the Hearing Board. Members of the Hearing Board will now be required to sign the report and note their majority or dissenting opinions. The second bylaw amendment amended Article III, Sec. 13(g) to bar only those complaints that have been fully adjudicated in a hearing under this section and to remove the bar on complaints resolved in litigation, arbitration, or similar proceedings. Both of these resolutions passed unanimously. Following this were two memorial resolutions in memory of the late Robert Corbin, a former NRA President, and the late Robert Nosler. These were read in their entirety by Ron Schmeits and John Siglar respectively. As might be expected, they were unanimously adopted.

Following this were 22 committee reports. Unlike in the past, discussion was limited on these reports and any actions such as rule changes were adopted in whole blocks. Of note was the charge from the Grassroots Committee to Board members to be NRA advocates and to get involved in the legislative process in their states. The Law Enforcement Assistance Committee said that Sgt. Aaron Zaliponi of the Adams Township (PA) PD will be the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. Sgt. Zaliponi through his decisive and life-saving actions stopped any further attempts by the would-be assassin of President Trump at the Butler Farm Show Grounds campaign rally in 2024. This nomination was adopted.

A few more committee reports of note. The Elections Committee recommended and it was adopted that no officer, director, member, employee, or agent of the NRA (other than ballot tabulation vendors) shall know the returns or results of the Board election or other ballot measures until after the end of all balloting. In other words, no more advance notice of preferred candidates needing help to win as may or may not have happened in the past. (cough, cough). The Women’s Program Committee requested that the Woman of Distinction Award be renamed the NRA Woman of Achievement Award and that was adopted. The Women’s PR Subcommittee is working to increase visibility of their scholarship awards and are working on a campaign to work with Turning Point USA to promote NRA programs that help advance shared goals. Finally, the Site Selection Committee reported that the 2029 Annual Meeting planned for Dallas will need to be moved due to construction issues. Cities west of the Mississippi especially closer to California are being considered. The dates for the Fall 2026 (Sept 17-19) and Winter 2027 (Jan 6-9) were set and the meetings are moving to the Hilton Dulles Airport Hotel as it was the most competitively priced.

The meeting concluded after a few Good of the Order comments including a farewell speech from past NRA President John Siglar who noted that he was 80, had served on the Board for 30 years, and that it was time for younger people to step up. That got a standing ovation. I followed that up which was hard noting the efforts of John Frazer, April Miller, Gary Dent, and Don Zimmer in getting the Governance Information online in a members-only page. Like my blog post on it, I called it a red letter day for transparency. The closing prayer was offered by Mark Robinson.

One final note. These meetings are being held to a tight budget. Our meals were always buffets. Lunches were more often an assortment of cold cuts and salads. Thursday’s breakfast were a continental breakfast. Reimbursements and hotel accommodations are only being paid for those days in which a member had committee meetings or the Board meeting. Thus, because I arrived a day early by my own choice, I paid for that extra night myself which I was happy to do given the importance of the committee meetings on Thursday. The days of wining and dining the Board to keep them blissfully ignorant as in the days of Wayne are over!

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Peter H. Capstick Hunting Heritage Award

January 15, 2026

by John Richardson 1 Comment

The Dallas Safari Club has selected Jeff Crane as the winner of their annual Peter H. Capstick Hunting Heritage Award. Jeff is the President and CEO of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation. He also serves as the Vice-Chair of the NRA’s Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Committee on which I also serve.

From the DSC announcement of Jeff’s award:

Dallas Safari Club (DSC) is proud to announce Jeff Crane as the recipient of the 2026 Peter H. Capstick Hunting Heritage Award, one of the organization’s most distinguished honors recognizing exceptional dedication to wildlife conservation and the preservation of hunting heritage.

Named in honor of legendary author, hunter, and conservation advocate Peter Hathaway Capstick, the award celebrates individuals, organizations, or groups whose sustained contributions have significantly advanced the conservation of wildlife and its habitat, while demonstrating a long-term commitment to protecting hunting traditions for future generations. Capstick’s writings and outspoken defense of ethical, science-based hunting elevated global awareness of the vital role hunters play in conservation, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire sportsmen and women worldwide.

“Peter Capstick was a powerful voice for hunters and conservationists around the world, and this award reflects the very best of that legacy,” said DSC President Ray Mulholland. “Jeff Crane exemplifies what this honor represents – unwavering commitment to conservation, thoughtful leadership, and a lifelong dedication to protecting our hunting heritage.”

Jeff Crane’s career spans decades of leadership at the intersection of conservation and public policy, where he has worked tirelessly to ensure hunters, anglers, and conservationists have a meaningful voice in legislative and regulatory decisions impacting wildlife and habitat.

“Being selected for the Peter Hathaway Capstick Hunting Heritage Award is an extraordinary honor,” Crane said. “It connects me to the legacy of a man whose writings, passion for big-game hunting, and respect for wildlife and wild lands embody the spirit of conservation and hunting heritage. This recognition represents not just individual achievement, but the dedication of the entire team at the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, our partners like Dallas Safari Club, and sportsmen and women who work tirelessly to protect our traditions. I am humbled and even more committed to advancing this shared mission.”

Crane’s conservation journey began early and evolved into a lifelong pursuit shaped by both hands-on experience and policy leadership. After earning his degree in political science and beginning his career in the U.S. Congress, he expanded his commitment to conservation while living in South Africa, where he developed wildlife habitat management plans, earned his professional hunter’s license, and guided hunts for iconic African big game. These experiences deepened his understanding of the global importance of wildlife management and conservation.

Upon returning to the United States, Crane joined a firm specializing in wildlife and property management and soon recognized the importance of giving sportsmen and women a strong voice in the political process. He helped establish the Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, an effort that grew into the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses which is now active in all 50 states.

“Jeff’s ability to bridge conservation policy with real-world experience in the field is exceptional,” said DSC Interim Executive Director Russell Stacy. “His leadership has strengthened collaboration across administrations, ensuring science-based conservation remains at the forefront.”

Crane joined the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) in 2002, where he has worked alongside multiple administrations and bipartisan leaders in Congress and state legislatures to advance policies that protect fish and wildlife conservation while preserving America’s sporting traditions. He has also served as Chairman of the Hunting and Shooting Sports Conservation Council, Chairman of the American Wildlife Conservation Partners, and Co-Chairman of Legislative Policy for the Alliance for America’s Fish & Wildlife.

Introduced to hunting and fishing at an early age by his father, an avid international hunter, Crane credits those early experiences with instilling a deep respect for wildlife and wild places. “Hunting has shaped who I am and grounded my values,” Crane said. “Whether in the American West, the marshes of the Eastern Shore, or the thornveld of Africa, the essence of the experience remains unchanged. It’s about camaraderie, connection to the natural world, and responsibility. It continues to remind me of my purpose: to give back to the resource that has given me so much.”

Among his many hunting experiences, Crane notes his first bull elk as especially meaningful after more than two decades of attempts. “Though it wasn’t anything special in terms of size,” he said, “taking my first bull elk at age 51 was incredibly rewarding and remains one of my most memorable hunts.” The Peter H. Capstick Hunting Heritage Award will be presented during the Saturday evening banquet at the DSC Convention and Sporting Expo in February 2026.

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71 And Counting

January 9, 2026

by John Richardson 4 Comments

The NRA Board now stands at 71 members with the most recent resignations that happened late yesterday. Carol Frampton and Curtis Jenkins have resigned effective Wednesday.

The notice from John Frazer was received after 9pm last night.

Carol Frampton and Curtis Jenkins have now resigned from the Board. Please join us in thanking them for their service over many years. We now have 71 Board members.

Mrs. Frampton’s term would have expired in 2028, so her resignation creates an additional vacancy to be filled by the mail ballot. (Rep. Jenkins’s term would have expired in 2026, and therefore doesn’t affect the election.)

Members will now vote for the following seats:

Twenty-five three-year terms that expire in 2029
Five two-year terms that expire in 2028
Four one-year terms that expire in 2027

This means that a total of 35 directors will be elected if you count the 76th Director who will be elected at the Annual Meeting in April. The pool of candidates is effectively at 37 which means virtually all candidates will be elected.

Many have said this is a good opportunity to reduce the size of the Board. That was a topic that was raised today at the Special Committee on Organization. Many differing views were raised by all those who attended that committee meeting. While sentiment seems to be swaying towards a reduction in size, there was no clear consensus on how many, how it would be implemented, if there would then be a “board of advisors”, and other similar concerns.

Amanda Suffecool who is now chair of this committee appointed Gen. Jack Hagan to a select committee of three to look at the issue and report back.

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$30 Million Saved!

January 7, 2026

by John Richardson 1 Comment

The BATFE has been overwhelmed with e-Forms for suppressors and other items since the start of 2026. According to the NSSF Industry Alert below, they received 150,000 e-Forms on January 1st. In a typical day, they would be getting 2,500.

Doing the math, that is $30 million in taxes that are now remaining in your wallet and not going to the BATFE. The One Big, Beautiful Bill is paying off well. Now if we can only use it to remove suppressors, SBRs, SBSs, and AOWs from the NFA in their entirety.

As to urging additional funding for the BATFE, I don’t know about that. If these items were removed from the NFA, then they would not even need additional funding to upgrade their IT systems for processing e-Forms.

From NSSF:

Industry Alert: ATF e-Forms Processing Surge and System Outages

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has acknowledged to the National Shooting Sports Foundation^® an unprecedented surge in e-Forms submissions that is impacting system performance. On January 1 alone, ATF processed approximately 150,000 e-Forms, compared to a typical daily volume of around 2,500.

As a result of this volume, ATF is experiencing intermittent IT system glitches and delays that are affecting industry members nationwide. ATF has emphasized that it is actively working to address these technical issues and is engaging directly with affected industry members to resolve problems as quickly as possible.

NSSF^® recognizes that these disruptions are frustrating for industry members and can result in operational challenges, customer service issues, and a loss of revenues. We have communicated these concerns directly to ATF and underscored the importance of restoring system stability and reliability as soon as possible. ATF has acknowledged the urgency and reiterated its commitment to resolving the issues.

In the meantime, NSSF urges industry members to remain patient while ATF works through these growing pains. We encourage retailers to document issues as they occur and to work directly with ATF when problems arise, as this information helps identify and correct systemic challenges.

NSSF strongly encourages all industry members to contact their U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators to advocate for additional funding for ATF. Much of the current disruption stems from outdated and under-resourced IT infrastructure. Congressional support for IT modernization is essential to improving system reliability and preventing similar disruptions in the future.

NSSF will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as more information becomes available.

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2026 NRA Board Endorsements, Part 2

January 6, 2026

by John Richardson 7 Comments

There are good people on the Board running for re-election and there are newcomers who need to be on the Board. This set of endorsements features two of each. The incumbents are Charlie Hiltuenen and Amanda Suffecool while the two newcomers are Huey Laugesen and Randy Luth.

Given the recent resignations from the Board, I have no doubt that they will be elected but I think it is important that they get three year terms. This will assure some continuity on the Board as we go forward with the necessary reforms.

Charlie Hiltunen

Charlie won the 76th Director spot in 2025 and most certainly needs to win a 3-year term. He is the chair of the Legislative Policy Committee and you could not ask for a better chair for that committee. His experience as a lawyer, lobbyist, and legislative counsel for over 40 years brings a lot to the table in that committee and serves as a valuable counterpoint to staff. More importantly, he is committed to reform. He provides answers to a lot of top questions on his campaign’s FAQ page. In addition to the NRA Board, Charlie is the president of the Indiana State Rifle & Pistol Association.

Charlie is a Hoosier by both education and upbringing. He brings that midwestern sensibility to what he does on the Board and in his professional life. I am proud to endorse him for a 3-year term on the Board of Directors.

Huey Laugesen

Huey is the Executive Director of the Colorado Shooting Sports Association. He is on the ballot by petition and I was happy to support his petition drive.

I serve on the Membership Committee with Huey and I am convinced he is someone who needs to be on the Board for a variety of reasons. First, he has successfully increased the membership of the CSSA by 170% in the last two years. His use of targeted mailings in that state should be used as a guide by the NRA.

Second, Huey is on the frontlines in the battle for the Second Amendment in Colorado. That state is a prime example of how a state can go from good to bad in a short time. His organization along with the Mountain States Legal Foundation is fighting back against Colorado’s permit to purchase scheme with a lawsuit in Federal court.

Finally, Huey brings youth to the Board and will help us find ways to attract Millennials and Gen Z’ers to the NRA. That said, Colorado State Representative Ava Flanell who I met at the Gun Rights Policy Conference said of Huey that he was “an old soul.” By that, she meant he was wise beyond his years.

Randy Luth

Randy has been in the firearms industry for a long time. He founded and then sold DPMS Panther Arms. He later started Luth-AR which is the current company he heads. The Nominating Committee set their priorities which included those from the firearms industry, those involved in competition, and those with financial experience. Randy brings those to the table in spades!

More importantly, Randy has been committed to NRA reform for a long time. He was one of the first in the firearms industry to call out publicly the grifting of Wayne and his cronies. He also called for new leadership and urged the firearms industry to withhold financial contributions until such time as it came about.

The bottom line is that Randy stood up when few in his position would. For that and many other reasons, Randy has my vote.

Amanda Suffecool

I was first introduced to Amanda at the SHOT Show in the mid 20-teens and we have been friends ever since. She and I were for a long time co-hosts of the Polite Society Podcast until Paul Lathrop decided to bring it to a close. I have appeared on her nationally syndicated Eye on the Target Radio show a number of times.

Amanda is currently chair of the NRA Media Committee which was the merger of the former Publications and Public Affairs Committee. However, she is much more than that. She is an engineer, a trainer, an activist, a shooter, and a fashionista. She worked as a manufacturing and quality engineer with multiple industrial companies until her retirement. Amanda is certified in multiple NRA training areas. As an activist, she has been a leader in Women for Gun Rights aka The DC Project as well as chair of the Portage County (Ohio) GOP party. She was a delegate to the 2024 RNC Convention. Oh, and that fashionista thing, if you haven’t been to one of her concealed carry fashion shows, you are missing out.

In 2023 when Amanda first ran and was elected to the NRA Board of Directors, I did not endorse her. It was a strategic thing as I felt an endorsement would hurt her chances of being elected given my outspoken criticism of the NRA. Indeed, I made no endorsements that year but I did vote for her. This year I am very happy to give Amanda my endorsement for another 3-year term. She, like Rob Beckman, is double nominated and that is a credit to her for seeking nomination both ways.

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Two More Resignations

January 6, 2026

by John Richardson 1 Comment

Yesterday, Jeff Fleetham resigned from the Board of Directors. He had been filling the seat left open by the resignation of Charles Cotton at the end of October 2025. While I did notice him on a couple of our online Board meetings, I had not met him in person.

Today, John Frazer sent out an email stating the Ronnie Barrett had resigned from the Board of Directors. Given Ronnie was also the Vice-Chair of the NRA Foundation’s Board of Trustees, I am going to assume it is related to the lawsuit filed yesterday by the NRA against the NRA Foundation. I can’t say any more about the lawsuit than to point you to the public statement regarding it.

From John Frazer:

Board member Ronnie Barrett has resigned as well. Please join us in thanking him for the time he’s given the NRA.

The Board now stands at 73 members. Because Mr. Barrett’s term would have expired in 2027, his resignation creates a one-year vacancy to be filled by the mail ballot. Members will now vote for the following seats:

Twenty-five three-year terms that expire in 2029

Four two-year terms that expire in 2028

Four one-year terms that expire in 2027

Add to this the 76th Director voted on at the NRA Annual Meeting and you have a total of 34 directors elected in 2026. Given there are only 38 names on the ballot, this means virtually everyone nominated by either the Nominating Committee or petition will be elected.

I will have my second round of endorsements up later today. I am almost to the point of saying who should NOT be given your vote!

As to Ronnie leaving the Board, this saddens me because I thought he made a substantial contribution to it especially chairing the Special Committee on Organization and Leadership. I had dinner and lunch with Ronnie and his lovely wife Donna at our September meeting which led to some good conversations.

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2026 NRA Board Endorsements, Part 1

January 4, 2026

by John Richardson

For 2026 I am returning to my tradition of encouraging a bullet vote. Last year I departed from that tradition to encourage voting for the full slate of reformers. This year thanks to multiple resignations there will be a total of 33 open positions if one includes the 76th Director and only 38 candidates. In other words, most on the ballot will be elected. My goal in encouraging a bullet vote is to assure that the best candidates get three year terms.

My first set of endorsements goes to the four whose names I submitted to the Nominating Committee. If I didn’t think they would be worthwhile additions to the Board of Directors, I would not have nominated them. It is as simple as that.

Four in alphabetical order are Rob Beckman, James D’Cruz, Jacqueline Janes, and Todd Vandermyde.

Rob Beckman

I first met Rob in person at the 2024 GOALS conference in Knoxville, TN. He later had me on his Firearms Trainer’s Podcast when I was running for the NRA Board of Directors. We caught up again at the NRA Annual Meeting in Atlanta during a meeting for clubs and associations. That is when I thought he’d make a great addition to the Board of Directors as he brought so much to the table. From being a senior project manager in IT for a global industrial company to being a podcaster to being the VP and Hunting Director for a state level 2A group (Ohio RPA) he checked all the boxes.

Rob’s official bio is below:

Proudly dual nominated by the members and Nominating Committee. NRA Benefactor member, training counselor, NRA-FAL/ILA, volunteer for FoNRA in SE-Indiana, and dedicated 2A advocate. Professional IT project manager, experienced with implementing enterprise systems in legal, finance, operations, manufacturing, audit, and organizational change management. A devoted husband of 37 years, father, and grandfather. The host/creator of the Firearm Trainer Podcast, and VP/Hunting Director for the Ohio Rifle and Pistol Association. Former board member and current adult leader for the local Boy Scout council. Selected for the 2025 NRA Annual Meetings “Voices of the Second Amendment” and guest on numerous podcasts. Proud member of numerous pro-gun/conservation organizations including SCI, IALEFI, NSSF, NMLRA, FPC, GOA, GOAL, CNJFO, OGCA, BHA, RMEF, NDA, Boone & Crockett Club, NTA, OSTA, F4WM, IHEA. NMSSA, NKSSA, Buckeye Firearms, League of Ohio Sportsmen, League of Kentucky Sportsmen, Indiana State Rifle and Pistol Association, and the Illinois State Rifle Association.

I should point out that Rob is one of only three candidates who were nominated by both petition and the Nominating Committee. I kept in touch with Rob during the petition process and he worked his tail off to get those signatures.

James D’Cruz

I first became aware of James when he was a freshman at Texas Tech and the lead plaintiff in two NRA suits that challenged the prohibition on the purchase of handguns from FFLs by those age 18 to 20 and Texas’ restriction on carry by those under 21. The cases were D’Cruz et al v. BATFE et al and D’Cruz v McCraw. That was 15 years ago when this blog was very new. For his efforts to stand up and advance gun rights at that age, he was vilified by the gun prohibitionists. Josh Horwitz of CSGV disgustingly tried to portray him as a wannabe school shooter thanks to his Halloween costume while Paul Helmke of the Brady Campaign accused him having “angry, violent Facebook postings.”

While James and his family later relocated to Florida and he was replaced in the cases, I stayed in touch with him over the years. I watched as he graduated from college and then went on to law school at Harvard where he earned his J.D. He served as a senior editor on the Harvard Business Law Review and had an article on the NFA published in the Harvard Journal of Law Public Policy. After law school he served in the trenches as an Assistant States Attorney in Orlando and then later in private practice in both Texas and Florida. He also serves this country as a Captain in the US Army Reserves JAG Corps.

James’ official bio is below:

Nominated by NRA Nominating Committee. NRA Life member. Attorney in Texas and Florida. Firearms enthusiast, collector, and advocate. Outspoken advocate for overturning the National Firearms Act and the Hughes Amendment. Promoter of constitutional and open carry, as well as nationwide reciprocity. Second Amendment scholar and author. At 18, was the lead plaintiff in two national NRA-backed lawsuits challenging ban on handgun possession and carry by 18–20-year-olds. Served as a felony domestic violence prosecutor in Orlando. Currently a Captain in the U.S. Army Reserve JAG Corps. NRA pistol instructor. President of the Harvard Law School Target Shooting Club (2015–2017). Owner of Cerebral Arms Company, LLC (07/02), which manufactures and sells firearms, provides firearms and self-defense consulting to the legal community, and provides concealed weapon permit training. Participates in match pistol, sporting clays, and high-power rifle shooting. Board Member of Florida Association of Veteran Owned Businesses (FAVOB).

We need younger people on the Board of Directors. James, only in his early 30s, has accomplished more than most and I think he’d continue that trend if elected to the NRA Board of Directors. He stood up when it counted, took his lumps, and has come back stronger than ever.

Jacqueline Janes

I first met Jaci and her partner Robert in 2011 at the LuckyGunner.com Blogger Shoot. After that, we’d run into one another at the NRA Annual Meeting, the SHOT Show, and the Gun Rights Policy Conference. I remember being at a business conference in Scottsdale, AZ. I had posted something about being there on social media and I got an email within hours asking if I wanted to join Jaci for an evening pistol competition at her gun club. She promised to provide all the firearms and ammo. Unfortunately, I could not make it but it would have been cool

When the Nominating Committee issued the attributes they were seeking for nominees, I immediately thought of Jaci. She checked so many boxes – competitor, younger with business experience, membership organizational experience, grassroots, social media experience, and an industry professional. For those that don’t know, Jaci is the marketing director for Apex Tactical Specialties which makes triggers, barrels, and other after market accessories for the leading handgun brands. At a time when the NRA has recently switched marketing firms and is seeking a new approach, I think it would be highly advantageous to have an actual marketing professional on the Board to provide both insight and guidance.

Jaci’s official bio is below:

NRA Life Member with over 14 years of volunteer experience as an NRA-ILA Grassroots FrontLines Activist Leader in Arizona. Recipient of the 2012 Jay M. Littlefield NRA-ILA Volunteer of the Year Award. Nominated by the NRA Nominating Committee, leadership experience includes serving as an Executive Board Member of Phoenix Rod and Gun Club and the Women’s Outdoor Media Association. An accomplished competitive shooter with experience in IDPA, USPSA, ICORE, 3-Gun, and Long-Range Precision Rifle. Former Certified NRA Pistol Instructor, IDPA Match Director, Certified IDPA Range Safety Officer, and competed on the Team SIG Shooting Team. Brings over 25 years of marketing expertise as a marketing director in the firearms industry, writing featured in leading industry publications, including Shooting Illustrated, USPSA Magazine, IDPA Tactical Journal, and the Beretta Blog.

Todd Vandermyde

I’ve known Todd seemingly forever. We first met at a NRA Annual Meeting sometime after I started this blog. He was the NRA’s contract lobbyist in Illinois at the time and was a great resource on what was then happening in the Prairie State.

I nominated him for the Board in 2025 and am proud to do it again in 2026. He is on the ballot by petition and I don’t think anyone gathered as many signatures as he did or even came close. As of late October, Todd is now on the NRA of Directors filling out the term of a resigned director and deserves to be elected to serve a full three year term. He has hit the ground running since joining the Board and is just the sort of disruptive influencer that the NRA needs if reforms are to continue.

Todd’s official bio is below:

Proudly nominated by petition. NRA Life Member. Lifelong shooter, hunter, amateur gunsmith, veteran, operating engineer, retired lobbyist, and gun club president. Retired operating engineer and Director of Government Relations, Local 150 Operating Engineers. Represented NRA, gun owners, and FFLs as a lobbyist before the Illinois legislature for 30 years. Responsible for legalizing SBRs in Illinois, organizing litigation overturning the Illinois carry ban, and lead plaintiff in challenge to Cook County’s gun and ammo tax. President, Aurora Sportsman’s Club – largest gun club in Illinois; VP, Second Amendment Law Center; VP, Second Amendment Defense and Education Coalition. US Army Reserve, 18 years – Staff Sgt, Airborne and Pathfinder qualified. Member of Gun Owners of America, Firearms Policy Coalition, Illinois State Rifle Association (life), and Single Action Shooting Society (life). Former gun store owner with 07 FFL and SOT. 2018 Sturgis Freedom Fighters HOF inductee. Freedom’s Steel YouTube channel creator. Shoot house instructor.

Uncategorized

Superman Has Left The Board

January 2, 2026

by John Richardson

I received an official notice this morning that Dean Cain aka Superman has resigned from the NRA Board of Directors. Given that Mark Shuell was the last remaining runner-up and was seated after the last set of resignations, Cain will not be replaced and the Board is now at 75 members.

From John Frazer:

We received a resignation letter from Board member Dean Cain, effective December 31.

Because there are no more runners-up from the 2025 mail ballot, the Board will have 75 members until the Annual Meeting. However, Mr. Cain’s resignation does create an additional vacancy to be filled in this year’s election. Members will now vote to fill the following vacancies:

Twenty-five three-year terms that expire in 2029

Four two-year terms that expire in 2028

Three one-year terms that expire in 2027

Please join me in thanking Mr. Cain for his service to the NRA, and wishing him well in his future projects.

The bottom line is that a total of 33 directors will be elected if you include the 76th Director from the slate of 38 nominees.

While last year I encouraged voting a full slate of candidates, this year I am reverting back to encouraging bullet voting. My rationale is that I want my most favored candidates to get the 3-year terms of office.

The other alternative is to just say who NOT to vote for. However, I prefer to stay positive.

I will start posting my endorsements for bullet voting in the coming days.

Uncategorized

Phil Schreier, RIP

December 30, 2025

by John Richardson 3 Comments

Phil Schreier, the Director of the NRA Museums, has passed away. I first saw it on multiple Facebook posts from people who knew and had worked with Phil. Then I received the official notice from the Secretary’s Office.

To All:

It is with deep sadness that I share with the NRA staff the passing of our friend, colleague, and Director of NRA Museums, Phil Schreier, who passed away peacefully yesterday at home, surrounded by his family and loved ones.

Phil served on the NRA staff for more than 36 years, beginning in June 1989. An Eagle Scout and a graduate of the University of Maryland, Phil was widely regarded as one of the world’s foremost experts on historical firearms. His depth of knowledge, passion for history, and ability to communicate made him truly exceptional.

For many years, Phil was the face of the NRA through his numerous television appearances and public engagements. He was universally respected and warmly received wherever he went. Through his work, Phil became a great ambassador for the NRA and a deeply passionate advocate for the Second Amendment.

Phil’s passing is a profound loss to the NRA family and to all who had the privilege of knowing him and working alongside him. Funeral arrangements are pending and will be shared when available.

Please keep Phil’s family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Doug Hamlin

I had met Phil many years ago at an NRA Annual Meeting where he arranged a special showing of historical firearms for bloggers. Most recently I saw Phil when he gave us new Board members a special tour of the NRA Museum in Fairfax this past June. From what I now know, Phil had cancer but one would not have known it from the enthusiastic way he showed us the museum.

The NRA has put together a short video retrospective of his life and work.

He will be missed.