The National Rifle Association’s Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) is reorganizing some key personnel as it continues its fight for Second Amendment freedoms.
Chuck Cunningham, who had been the director of federal relations, will move into the newly created position of political director. Jason Ouimet was promoted to deputy director of federal affairs. He previously served as federal liaison since 2005.
The NRA also brought back some experienced talent. James Baker rejoins the organization for a third stint — he has already logged 16 years with the association, from 1982 to 1994, and from 1998 to 2002. During that time, Baker was executive director for the NRA-ILA, director of federal affairs and legislative counsel.
According to an NRA spokesperson, the restructuring follows the transfer of state and local director, Randy Kozuch, which prompted the creation of a political director position and the promotion of Cunningham. The announcement was made to the board in early January.
“I would like to offer my congratulations to Chuck, Jim and Jason,” said NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris Cox. “They are seasoned and skilled legislative and political professionals who will well serve the interests of the NRA and its 4 million members, in addition to the tens of millions of hunters and gun owners across the country.”
The NRA was established in 1871 and is the nation’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. It is considered to be the country’s leading organization on firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military.