Author:
Cassie Scott
Voters in the recent elections for the Archery Trade Association’s Board of Directors retained the Board chairmanship, brought back a former longtime Board member, and installed a first-time Board member.
Ben Summers, vice president of T.R.U. Ball/AXCEL, was re-elected and will continue to serve as Board chair. Randy Walk, president of Hoyt, returns to the Board after first serving from 1997 to 2000 when the ATA was called the Archery Manufacturers and Merchants Organization. Walk also served on the Board from 2003 to 2005. James McGovern, owner and marketing director for Rinehart Targets, won the third contested seat.
The Board’s new Executive Committee consists of Summers, Mark Copeland, store director at Jay’s Sporting Goods, and Randy Walk of Hoyt, who were elected as vice chairmen. The Executive Committee serves through March 31, 2020.
Departing the Board are Greg Easton, president of Jas D. Easton Inc., and Jeff Adee, president of Headhunter Bow Strings. Easton served on the Board from April 2008 to March 2018, and held the chair and vice chair positions. Adee served from April 2014 to March 2018.
Ben Summers, chairman of the board and director of operations of T.R.U. Ball Release Products stated, "With major changes and challenges for our retailer and manufacturer members, the Board has initiated strategic planning to ensure the ATA is proactive and prepared for the future. I can’t wait to be part of the next steps to make archery and bowhunting better for everyone!” Photo Credit: Shannon Rikard.
Matt Kormann, ATA president/CEO, said serving as an ATA Board director requires significant effort and commitment. “Our directors and their companies volunteer their time and resources to serve our membership and the entire archery and bowhunting industry,” he said. “On behalf of those members, I’m incredibly grateful to Greg and Jeff for their service. They have committed to ongoing involvement with the ATA, and their voices will continue to help shape our future. This continued engagement is even more important as we begin a three-month strategic-planning process to chart a course for the ATA’s future well into the next decade.”
Summers said he’s looking forward to that challenge. “I’m excited to return as ATA Board chairman as we move into the next generation,” he said. “It was an honor to serve for 12 years with Jay McAninch at the helm, and to ensure a smooth transition to Matt Kormann as our new CEO and president. With major changes and challenges for our retailer and manufacturer members, the Board has initiated strategic planning to ensure the ATA is proactive and prepared for the future. I can’t wait to be part of the next steps to make archery and bowhunting better for everyone!”
Randy Walk president of Hoyt, believes the industry’s long-term success and growth depends on the prosperity of retailers, who offer archers and bowhunters places to participate. His immediate goal is to improve the industry’s retail sector to help participants get involved in archery. Photo Credit: Shannon Rikard.
Walk said he looks forward to serving on the Board after a 13-year absence. “I’m honored to have been nominated and elected by the ATA membership, and to be recognized and appreciated as someone the membership trusts to work at protecting and helping to strategically lead our industry,” Walk said. “I look forward to working with other industry leaders on the Board, and the ATA staff to further the success and accomplishments of ATA.”
Walk believes the industry’s long-term success and growth depends on the prosperity of retailers, who offer archers and bowhunters places to participate. His immediate goal is to improve the industry’s retail sector to help participants get involved in archery.
Rinehart Targets is a family-owned and operated target manufacturer. McGovern said the ATA must help strengthen the industry’s bowhunting business while boosting recreational archery. He said many factors “chip away at our hunting participation numbers,” including limited land access, reduced deer populations, and more competition for people’s time and attention. McGovern is excited to help the Board find ways to increase participation and sustain bowhunting’s heritage.
Rinehart Targets is a family-owned and operated target manufacturer. James McGovern said the ATA must help strengthen the industry’s bowhunting business while boosting recreational archery. Photo Credit: Shannon Rikard.
“It’s a huge honor to be elected by (your) peers,” McGovern said. “I hope to contribute to the conversation, and help drive this organization forward. I look forward to being part of the team. I believe we can well-position bowhunting for the future.”
Easton said he was grateful for his years on the Board. “I have truly valued my time serving on the ATA Board of Directors,” he said. “I’m encouraged by the level of engagement from our members, and their interest in serving on the ATA Board. I look forward to the new ideas and direction the new Board members will take under the leadership of the ATA’s new president, Matt Kormann.”
Adee, too, said he was honored to serve on the Board and work to improve the industry. “I’m extremely passionate about our industry,” Adee said. “It was nice to see that everyone on the Board and in the industry shares that passion. Headhunter Bow Strings was proud to serve with such a fine group.”
Kormann said new and returning voices on the Board are always welcome. “We’re fortunate to have James and Randy join us,” he said. “With Ben’s continued chairmanship, we’re excited to help our members face the challenges we’ve identified the past few years.”
Kormann and the ATA Board of Directors will meet in April. Learn more about the Board and its member companies here.