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NSSF APPOINTS VICE PRESIDENTS AHEAD OF 2026 LEADERSHIP TRANSITION
NSSF has announced two senior appointments to its executive leadership team, effective January 1, 2026. Melissa Schilling will assume the role of Vice President, Exhibitions and Events, while John McNamara will become Vice President, Member Services.
The organisation also confirmed that Chris Dolnack, Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer, will retire on April 2, 2026. Dolnack’s career with NSSF spans nearly 30 years and includes longstanding leadership of the SHOT Show, where he has played a central role in the event’s development, expansion and status as a critical business platform for the global industry.
NSSF President and CEO Joe Bartozzi said the appointments reflect a strong internal talent pipeline and ongoing succession planning. He said both executives bring experience and commitment that will continue to move the association forward. Bartozzi also offered thanks to Dolnack for his long service, noting his sustained contribution to the growth and success of NSSF’s signature events.
Schilling joined NSSF in 2003 and has held several roles across the organisation, including positions in public relations, recruitment and retention. Most recently she served as Managing Director of Exhibitions and Events, overseeing the planning and execution of the SHOT Show as well as a range of industry-specific gatherings and training activities. Her background spans strategic event planning, exhibitor engagement and operational delivery.
McNamara joined the association in 2017 as Senior Director of Retailer Services before becoming Managing Director of Member Services in 2021. His work has centered on member engagement, partnership development, revenue growth and aligning departmental initiatives with broader organizational objectives.
OUTTECH AND BALLISTOL TEAM UP TO EXPAND RETAIL REACH NATIONWIDE
Outtech has announced a nationwide sales partnership with Ballistol USA, bringing together one of the outdoor industry’s largest sales and marketing organisations with a long-established manufacturer of lubricants and cleaning products for firearms, tools and outdoor equipment. The agreement gives Outtech responsibility for representing the Ballistol brand across major outdoor and sporting-goods channels throughout the United States.
Outtech CEO Andrew Sibble said Ballistol’s heritage and product reputation align well with the company’s portfolio. Founded in 1904, Ballistol has built a global following for its non-toxic, biodegradable formula that cleans, lubricates and protects metal, wood, leather and other materials. The product has long been used by hunters, shooters and outdoor enthusiasts seeking dependable, multi-purpose maintenance solutions.
Ballistol USA President Pat Palumbo said the partnership is expected to strengthen the company’s national market presence. He said Outtech’s experienced salesforce and established retailer relationships make it an ideal partner for supporting growth and expanding penetration into new and existing channels.
WINCHESTER ANNOUNCES OPENING OF STATE-OF-THE-ART OFFICE IN CLAYTON, MISSOURI
Winchester Ammunition has opened a new office in Clayton, Missouri, providing a modern workspace for nearly 70 full-time employees from the Winchester division, along with finance, technology and human-resources staff. The new location is intended to strengthen collaboration across teams, streamline operations and support long-term growth.
Brett Flaugher, President of Winchester Ammunition, said the opening represents a significant investment in people and processes. He said a contemporary workspace will support the company’s culture, enhance communication and help attract new talent. He also noted the support of Missouri’s congressional leaders, emphasizing their role in fostering a business environment conducive to industry growth.
The office will complement Winchester’s ongoing work at its manufacturing facilities across the United States. As a global provider of small-caliber ammunition for hunting, sport shooting, law enforcement and military applications, the company expects the facility to support modernization and improve interdepartmental coordination.