Brownells CEO Pete Brownell has been a member of the National Rifle Association’s board of directors for about a decade. He served as the organization’s president from 2017 to 2018. Now, however, TTAG has learned that Brownell has announced his resignation from the organization’s board.
Here’s his just-released statement:
In the coming weeks, my company will be making exciting announcements about new opportunities that are important to the future success of our business. We look forward to sharing that news soon as possible. Given the hard work and full-time attention that will be needed as our brands continue to grow, I’ve decided to step down from my position on the NRA’s Board of Directors. It’s been an honor to serve the five million members of the NRA and I will continue standing side-by-side with the millions of Americans who care deeply about defending the Second Amendment.
While Mr. Brownell’s announcement makes no mention of the controversies, accusations, and lawsuits that have been swirling around the NRA in the last few months, it’s difficult not to read between the lines here.
Pete Brownell is (was) a highly respected and influential member of the NRA board. His departure will be seen as a blow to efforts to reform the operation from the inside and weather the current storms.
You have to wonder if other board members will follow suit as a result of this.