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

Kimber 1911 Ds Warrior Gotw 1
Kimber 1911 Ds Warrior Gotw 1

Gun of the Week: Kimber 1911 DS Warrior LW

In 2026, Kimber developed its 1911 DS Warrior, an American-made, double-stack design that is intended to be an affordable entry point into Kimber's double-stack handgun line.

The Armed Citizen® April 24, 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.

Spin Difference: The Impact of Barrel Twist Rates on Terminal Performance

When most shooters think of rifling-twist rates, they mostly think of rifles with their high BC projectiles, but the rpm of a bullet also plays a part in terminal performance.

Beretta's 1301 Tactical vs. A300 Ultima Patrol Shotguns: Which Should You Choose?

Ever since Beretta launched the A300 Ultima Patrol shotgun in 2024 as a less-pricey alternative to the 1301 Tactical, shotgunners have debated whether the 1301 is worth the extra cost. Let's examine them both.

ZEV Technologies Escaping Washington State’s Hostile Political Climate

ZEV Technologies announced it is moving its headquarters and manufacturing operations out of Washington state to Utah’s Second Amendment-friendly business climate.

U.S. v. Hemani Arguments

On March 2, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in U.S. v. Hemani. The case involves a defendant who is fighting a federal indictment for possessing a firearm while being a marijuana user.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.