On the weekend of Nov. 12-13, 2022, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) State Directors assembled at Talladega Marksmanship Park in Alabama to exchange ideas, discover more about the organization’s latest endeavors and socialize. A total of 27 State Directors attended the meeting, which was the first time the group was able to gather since 2018.
The CMP State Directors are appointed in each state to provide leadership, coordination, networking, motivation and publicity for shooting sports in their geographic areas. They work directly with coaches and individuals to provide enjoyable, informative and fun opportunities for competitors across their states and help lead them in positive directions.
“It was great getting everyone together again – many things have changed within the CMP since 2018,” said Dana Lynd, assistant programs chief. “We were able to update everyone on all the great things we are doing.”
During the weekend, State Directors were able to meet with the new Board Chairman and CEO Jerry O’Keefe, who took over the position in September after the retirement of former Chairman Judy Legerski.
Attendees also heard from Mark Johnson (Director of Civilian Marksmanship), Christie Sewell (CMP programs chief), Shannon Hand (competition manager), Steve Cooper (training and education training manager), Greg Raines (assistant chief operating officer), Gina Johnson (CMP South general manager) and Ryan Hinson (program coordinator). Each spoke on their respective departments, such as pistol, air rifle, smallbore, summer camps and, of course, the CMP State Director program.
Ashley Jackson with the MidwayUSA Foundation was also on hand to discuss the non-profit organization’s important relationship with the CMP. The event was facilitated by Sylvia Schoewe, State Director support staff.
“Everything went well!” said Schoewe. “I’ve had quite a few State Directors reach out and say that they enjoyed the meeting – that it was put together very well and that they learned a lot.”
The State Directors also had the chance to stand, introduce themselves and explain a little about what their state has been involved in with marksmanship programs.
“The new State Directors thought that was really helpful,” Schoewe added. “It also gave existing State Directors fresh ideas.”
After the classroom portion of the workshop was over, the group was able to tour the 500 acres of Talladega Marksmanship Park.
A complete list of CMP State Directors, including their individual bios and contact information, can be found by visiting https://thecmp.org/training-tech/state-director/. They are always happy and willing to answer any questions about shooting sports or marksmanship opportunities available in your area.
CMP State Director Openings. The CMP is currently taking applications for the following states: Delaware, Maine, Nevada, Tennessee, Vermont and Washington. For more information on requirements on applying for a State Director position, visit http://thecmp.org/training-tech/state-director/ or contact Sylvia at (419) 635-2141, ext. 726 or email sschoewe@thecmp.org.
— By Ashley Dugan, CMP Staff Writer
The Civilian Marksmanship Program is a federally chartered 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation. It is dedicated to firearm safety and marksmanship training and to the promotion of marksmanship competition for citizens of the United States. For more information about the CMP and its programs, log onto www.TheCMP.org.
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