8.24.10 | Walston Now Represents Wildgame Innovations on ATA Board

New Ulm, Minn. -Mike Walston, began his three-year term on the ATA Board as the chief operating officer of Lone Wolf Portable Treestands, and will continue serving on the Board as a representative for Wildgame Innovations.

Walston was recently name chief operating officer for Synergy Outdoors who owns Wildgame Innovations, Barnett Crossbows and several other archery and bowhunting industry companies. After Walston stepped down, Lone Wolf resigned the Board seat which, according to the ATA bylaws, meant that the ATA Board had to appoint a deserving ATA member company to the Board. After some deliberation, the ATA Board offered the seat to Synergy Outdoors, parent company of Wildgame Innovations based on the expectation that Walston would be able to continue his work on the Board of Directors.

"The ATA Board has greatly benefited from Mike's contributions the past 18 months," said Jay McAninch, ATA president and CEO. "His energy, leadership, insights and knowledge into the industry make him a significant contributor to many ATA initiatives. Most important, the ATA members who voted to put Mike on the Board will get to see him finish his term, albeit with another company owning the Board seat."

By working with Wildgame Innovations to fill the Board seat, ATA ensured the industry will continue to benefit from Walston's creative energy and broad experience. As Synergy's COO, Walston is in charge of day-to-day operations, sales, marketing, budgeting, contracts, legal matters and customer service for its five companies. He has worked in the archery industry 10 years.

As an ATA Board member, he will continue to serve on committees for the Trade Show, government affairs and community archery programs.

"I'm looking forward to working with Synergy's broad array of companies and product lines," said Walston. "And it's an honor to be reappointed to the Board. The ATA has established an impressive track record during the past decade, and I will offer help and expertise wherever it's needed."

Ryan Busbice, owner of Wildgame Innovations, said the company is honored to be on the ATA Board. "This is a great opportunity for Wildgame Innovations and all the Synergy companies," Busbice said. "Mike's experience in the industry makes him the perfect person to represent us. We'll do all we can to make this successful for the ATA Board and the entire outdoor community."

Walston lives in Washington, Ill., with Cindy, his wife of 20 years; and their daughter, Taylor, age 17.

The ATA Board of Directors has 12 seats filled by manufacturers elected by their peers from the archery and bowhunting industry. The Board also includes three dealers who serve as chair and vice-chairs of the ATA Dealer Council. The final seat of the 16-member Board is filled by the chair of the Sales Representative Committee. For more information about the ATA Board and staff visit http://www.archerytrade.org.