Charles Cotton Elected President as NRA Celebrates 150-Year Anniversary

by
posted on October 5, 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. **
nra-logo.jpg

National Rifle Association Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer Wayne LaPierre was re-elected by the NRA Board of Directors at their Monday, October 4 meeting 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 five 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 and 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.”

Learn more at NRA.org.

Latest

2026 ARC Scopemounting 6
2026 ARC Scopemounting 6

NRA America’s Rifle Challenge: Kyle Lamb’s Guide to Mounting a Scope for ARC

Kyle Lamb walks through optics mounting with practical advice on leveling, eye relief and preventing scope shift during ARC competition.

Politics, Weather and Rising Stars Mark a Turning Point: 1990 National Matches

The 1990 National Matches at Camp Perry saw funding threats, severe weather cancellations and major victories by shooters like David Tubb and Jim Meredith as a new decade began.

Review: GP Arms Patriot Rebel

The GP Arms Patriot Rebel is a mid-level 2011 built for Limited Optics, delivering 1,000-plus rounds of flawless reliability including a full USPSA Nationals.

Milan Cortina 2026: Team USA’s Masters Defends Paralympic Biathlon Title With Perfect Shooting

Oksana Masters defended her Paralympic biathlon sprint title with flawless shooting at Milan Cortina 2026, with teammate Kendall Gretsch taking silver.

MidwayUSA Foundation Sends $7.5 Million to 995 Youth Shooting Teams Across 46 States

MidwayUSA Foundation concludes its February grant cycle with more than $7.5 million paid to youth shooting teams nationwide, funded by endowments that allow teams to draw 5% annually in perpetuity.

2026 NSCA Championship Tour Opens in March With Eight Stops and Expanded Winchester Ladies Cup

The NSCA Championship Tour, Powered by Winchester returns for 2026 with eight stops, $40,000 in added Ladies Cup payouts and 120 cases of ammunition for women competitors.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.