by Doug Hamlin, EVP of the NRA, named James P. “JP” Carter as the new Executive Director of the Office of Advancement this morning. He replaces Tyler Schropp who was “let go” approximately two weeks ago.
From the announcement:
From: Hamlin, Douglas <DHamlin@nrahq.org>
Sent: Monday, August 12, 2024 8:59 AM
To: #All NRA Employees <#AllNRAEmployees@nrahq.org>
Subject: Announcement – Executive Director of AdvancementTo All NRA Staff:
I am pleased to announce that beginning Monday, August 19th, 2024, James P. (“JP”) Carter will come onboard as the Executive Director, Office of Advancement. If his name sounds familiar, it is due to his former service in the Publications division as a successful sales executive.
JP holds an undergraduate degree from the University of South Carolina, an M.B.A. from University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and an M.S. in Project Management from Boston University. He has earned several awards for his leadership abilities at various levels of command with the USMC, a diversity leadership award, as well as a Bronze Star for Combat Valor in Afghanistan. He also serves as a Board Member for the Los Angeles Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. His past work history includes senior management positions in both Fortune 500 and middle market companies, focused on operational strategies and leadership excellence. He brings a team mentality to drive action and encouraging organizations to reach their next level of growth/success.
Most recently, JP founded and was the CEO of a company focused on revenue growth, operational efficiencies, sound business processes, best practices, and strong leadership. Please welcome JP back to the NRA Family – thank you for your support.
Full Speed Ahead!
Doug Hamlin
Executive Vice President/CEO
National Rifle Association of America
Carter founded and is, or was, CEO of Holding Fast Solutions in Fort Mill, SC. They provide operational consulting and government contracting services. The company is certified as a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business. While Carter has sales experience as Hamlin notes above, I don’t see that he has any major gift or fundraising experience other than perhaps as a board member with the LA Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. It would almost seem he was better suited to be the Executive Director of General Operations.
It is my understanding that the job was not advertised nor were any internal candidates considered for the position. If I had to offer a guess, I would say that Hamlin wanted someone in that position who would have his back as well as someone he had worked with in the past regardless of whether the candidate perfectly fit the position. I would also hazard a guess that Carter’s appointment has been in the works for some time now and it was long before Schropp was shown the door.
There is no word on salary or compensation nor did I expect it. Ideally, in my opinion, this type of position should compensated with a modest salary plus a commission on what is brought in. It incentivizes bringing in the money which is the key issue for the NRA currently.