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

Smith Wesson Academy Artv 1
Smith Wesson Academy Artv 1

The Smith & Wesson Academy Reopens

One of the latest expansions at S&W's new Maryville facility is the addition of an entirely new training ground, the new home of the legendary Smith & Wesson Academy.

New for 2026: EAA Balikli BLK Bolt-Action Rifles

This year, EAA Corp. expanded its catalog with a new hunting rifle, the Balikli BLK bolt-action, which has high-end features for its price, as well as compatibility with broad aftermarket.

HOUSTON 2026 | The 155th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits

Exuberance was the defining spirit of the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings. More than 73,000 attendees packed the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston to celebrate 250 years of America, concurrent with 155 years of their NRA.

A Landmark Post-Bruen Alignment of the 2nd and 4th Amendments in Maryland

On June 4, 2026, the Appellate Court of Maryland ruled that law enforcement cannot stop and search a person merely because they see a gun—or the outline of one printing from a concealed holster.

Shotshell Basics: Understanding Payloads, Pressures & Performance

A shotgun can be supremely versatile, depending on how it’s loaded. Understanding how shotshells work is difficult, but crucial.

Rock River Arms Celebrates 30 Years in Business

While the company's beginnings go back to 1994, the Rock River Arms story officially started in 1996, meaning that it is celebrating 30 years in business in 2026.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.