Dave Johnson, who has been the interim chief executive officer at USA Shooting for over a year, resigned September 19. Johnson (pictured above with 2012 Olympic gold medalist Jamie Corkish at the 2011 ISSF World Cup) has accepted a position at the Air Force Academy (AFA) as assistant rifle coach.
“It is with regret that I have accepted Dave’s resignation,” said USA Shooting Board Chairman Jeff Price. “Dave has been a great asset to USA Shooting and to me personally … we wish him the very best in his future endeavors.”
In a game of coaching musical chairs, Johnson replaces previous AFA assistant coach Mike Anti, who vacated the job earlier this year to become head coach at the U.S. Naval Academy.
“I could not be happier that we were able to convince Dave to come back into collegiate shooting,” said Launi Meili, the AFA head rifle coach. “He has more experience and knowledge of the sport than any coach in the U.S. He was not only successful as an athlete in NCAA and International competition, but as a coach, his athletes have produced more medals and titles than any other in more than 40 years. We are lucky to get him, and I'm ready to put him to work to help our shooters continue to perform well on the national and international stage!”
Last year, Johnson took the helm of USA Shooting after the retirement of previous CEO Robert Mitchell. Under Johnson’s stewardship, a new Board of Directors with nine members was introduced, and he also helped to develop and implement the new Lones Wigger Legacy Project that is raising money for future youth shooters. The new program has already raised over $215,000.
“I'm honored to be able to join the staff at the U.S. Air Force Academy and to be back in the NCAA arena” said Johnson. “The program, facilities, staff, and student-athletes are world-class. Being part of the mission of developing our future leaders for the U.S. Air Force is a natural for me coming from my military experience. Coach Meili and the [Academy] have built a great program and I look forward to getting on the range!”
Johnson brings a wealth of experience with him as he joins the Falcons coaching staff. He was a member of the 1992 U.S. Olympic team, additionally the head coach of University of Alaska Fairbanks from 2000-2002. During his time as coach he led the team to two NCAA championship victories. In 2002 he began working for USA Shooting as the National Rifle Coach, a job he held for 10 years. During that time, the team won five medals at three Olympics Games. Besides being a stellar athlete and coach, Johnson was noted for engaging the organization’s vast array of constituent groups that includes athletes, coaches, industry leaders, sponsors and donors.
USA Shooting plans to have a new CEO by the end of October.
Photos courtesy of USA Shooting
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