By Dave Workman
Editor-in-Chief
Four self-described “reform” candidates have won seats on the National Rifle Association’s Board of Directors, in the process displacing two former NRA presidents in what may signal the beginning of a change in the post-Wayne LaPierre era.
Elected to three-year terms are Jeff Knox, Phillip Journey, Rocky Marshall and Dennis Fusaro. Knox is the son of former NRA First Vice President Neal Knox, who was instrumental in establishing the Institute for Legislative Action and transforming NRA from a fraternity of competition shooters and hunters to a formidable political force. Journey is a Kansas judge and former director who has been critical of the organization’s management for several years. Fusaro is a Virginia resident and past director of state legislation for Gun Owners of America. Marshall lives in Texas and formerly served in the board. He is a businessman with a focus on fiscal responsibility.
Among their first duties will be to name a successor to LaPierre as the EVP. That will occur at the board meeting May 20 in Dallas, following organization’s convention there.
Displaced in this year’s election were former NRA Presidents John Sigler and David Keene. Another longtime director who was not re-elected was Joel Friedman. Also failing re-election were Olympic Gold Medalist Kim Rhode, and Jim Wallace, longtime executive director of the Massachusetts Gun Owners Action League.
Several NRA board members have served for a couple of decades. Wayne Anthony Ross, an attorney in Alaska and former NRA vice president, has served since 1980. Directors Bill Miller and Edie P. Fleeman have been on board since the 1990s. According to a Knox article at Ammoland, the top vote-getter was Ronnie Barrett, founder of Barrett Firearms.
Reaction to the election outcome has been mixed at Ammoland, where Knox is a frequent contributor. Many respondents to the report suggest the “Four for Reform” candidates will not be able to accomplish much, while others see this as a signal to other directors it is time for a complete change of course for NRA.
LaPierre has retired from his position as NRA Executive Vice President, a job he held for more than three decades, and the association came away from the trial in New York City with some embarrassing revelations.
Election results were posted at the “No Lawyers – Only Guns and Money” website.
