Charles Cotton Elected President as NRA Celebrates 150-Year Anniversary

NRA EVP Wayne LaPierre Re-elected

by
posted on October 2, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
National Rifle Association

Fairfax, Va.–National Rifle Association Executive Vice President/CEO Wayne LaPierre was re-elected by the NRA Board of Directors at their meeting today in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Annual Meeting of Members preceded the board meeting, as the NRA celebrated its 150-year anniversary.  
  
Charles Cotton was elected NRA President; Lt. Col. Willes K. Lee (ret.) First Vice President; and David Coy Second Vice President. 
  
“It is the honor of a lifetime for a guy who grew up hunting and plinking to become president of this 150-year-old organization–and serve our 5 million members in their fight for the Second Amendment,” says NRA President Charles Cotton. “The proceedings in Charlotte were an amazing celebration of NRA fellowship and freedom. Under the direction of Wayne LaPierre, the NRA is strong and secure–well-positioned to chart its course for the future.” 
  
Also retaining their offices are NRA Secretary/General Counsel John Frazer and NRA Treasurer Sonya B. Rowling, Jason Ouimet was re-appointed as Executive Director for the Institute for Legislative Action and Joseph De Bergalis, Jr., Executive Director, General Operations.​ 
  
“The NRA is focused and energized–standing tall in the face of unprecedented attacks on our Association and constitutional freedoms,” says Wayne LaPierre. “I am honored by the trust placed in me by the NRA Board of Directors and the millions of patriots they represent. Together, we will continue to confront our adversaries and fight for our freedoms and values. We are resolute in our mission as America’s greatest defender of constitutional freedom.” 

Latest

Armed Citizen Podcast John Lott 1
Armed Citizen Podcast John Lott 1

Why the Murder Rate Quickly Fell to a Likely Historic Low

If the gun-control Left is to be believed, then the murder rate in the U.S. should be going up. After all, gun sales and ownership rates have been rising for the last few decades and anti-gun groups claim that gun ownership is the cause of violent crime. This, of course, is nonsense.

16 New Bolt-Action Rifles for 2026

From cutting-edge precision rifles designed for competition or hunting to traditionally styled guns that emulate designs from yesteryear, 2026 saw the introduction of an incredible array of bolt-action rifles.

Review: Chiappa Rhino 60DS 10 mm Auto

The Italian-designed-and-manufactured Chiappa Rhino remains unique today as the only current revolver with the barrel mounted at the bottom of the frame, firing from the chamber at the 6-o’clock position.

5 New Large-Format Pistols for 2026

There's been a huge surge in the large-format pistol category, and 2026 continues to showcase new models answering the wants and needs of today's firearm owners.

Short & Powerful: The EOTech Vudu 4-12x36 mm Super Short Riflescope

EOTech's ultra-compact 3-9x32 mm Vudu was a popular addition to the company's variable-powered riflescope line, and the new 4-12x36 mm Vudu ups the ante with new features in a still-compact package.

The Armed Citizen® May 11, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.