Pete Brownell Elected NRA President

by
posted on May 2, 2017
** 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. **
pete_brownell.jpg

Pete Brownell of Montezuma, Iowa, was elected by the National Rifle Association Board of Directors as President May 1, 2017, following the 146th NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits in Atlanta.

An NRA Life member since birth, Brownell is the Chief Executive Officer of the legendary family-owned firearm and firearm accessory retailer Brownells. He brings a record of leadership, a passion for our outdoors and shooting sports traditions, and vigor to protect and defend the Second Amendment.

Brownell was elected to the NRA Board of Directors in 2010, and has served as chairman of the Membership Committee, and as a member of the Finance, Law Enforcement Assistance, Publications Policies, and Sport Shooting Committees.

Brownell is also the former chairman of the Board of the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers and a former member of the U.S. Army’s Command and General Staff Foundation Board.  Outside the office, he is an accomplished athlete and avid outdoorsman.

“It’s an honor and privilege to serve the 5 million members of the National Rifle Association of America. I am humbled to serve alongside Wayne LaPierre—the true heart and soul of this Association and to walk in the footsteps of my predecessors,” said Brownell. “I’m a proud NRA member from day one who grew up with a passion for guns, our rich hunting heritage, and a passion to strengthen our Second Amendment.”

NASCAR legend Richard Childress of Welcome, N.C., who most recently served as NRA Second Vice President, was elected First Vice President. Childress is Chairman and CEO of Richard Childress Racing, one of NASCAR’s most prolific and storied teams. Outside of his lifelong passion for auto racing, Childress is an accomplished conservationist and activist for the protection of our natural resources, having supported groups including the Boone & Crockett Club, Ducks Unlimited, and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

Carolyn D. Meadows of Marietta, Ga., was elected Second Vice President. An active member of the NRA Board of Directors since 2003, Meadows is a political leader whose effective lobbying of Congress and Georgia legislators has been felt both locally and nationally. A passionate shooter and hunter, Meadows volunteers to provide gun safety courses for children and adults.

For more, visit NRA.org.


Latest

Aiming
Aiming

The Fire Control Sequence: 3 Steps to Perfect Round Placement

If you want to hit your target, you need three things: a gun, a target and a method by which to hit that target with that gun. Shooting well is the result of a specific process.

Why Does the .44 Special Keep Hanging On?

What is it about the .44 Special cartridge that makes it, well, special?

CAA USA Under New Ownership, Consolidation of Manufacturing

CAA USA has been acquired by Plastimold Products, owners of META Tactical, unifying all three brands and their manufacturing capabilities.

A "Shot Heard 'Round the World" Rings Out in Karnes County

As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, communities across the nation are reflecting on the people and principles that have preserved our freedoms for generations. On Saturday, June 27, the Karnes County Friends of NRA did exactly that.

Behind Winchester's New Supreme Long Range Ammunition

For 2026, Winchester Ammunition took a big step forward in its ammo offerings with Supreme Long Range. Unlike previous offerings from the company, this purpose-built long-range hunting and shooting line required the company to invest in an entirely new projectile design: the BC Max bullet.

New For 2026: Magnum Research Suppressor-Ready Desert Eagle .50

With the growing popularity of suppressors, Magnum Research is bringing its iconic .50-caliber Desert Eagle pistol up to date with a suppressor-ready, threaded-barrel version.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.