On the weekend of November 12-13, 2022, the state directors of the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) gathered at Talladega Marksmanship Park in Alabama to brainstorm, learn more about the organization’s latest efforts, and socialize. A total of 27 State Directors attended the meeting, which was the first time the group was able to meet since 2018.
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 in their states and help steer them in positive directions.
“It was great to get everyone together again; a lot has changed within CMP since 2018,” said Dana Lynd, deputy director of programs. “We were able to update everyone on all the great things we are doing.”
Over the weekend, the state directors were able to meet with the new chairman and chief executive officer, Jerry O’Keefe, who took office in September after former chair Judy Legerski retired.
Attendees also heard from Mark Johnson (Civilian Marksmanship Director), Christie Sewell (CMP Head of Programs), Shannon Hand (Competition Manager), Steve Cooper (Educational Training & Training Manager), Greg Raines (Deputy Director of Operations ), Gina Johnson (CMP South General Manager) and Ryan Hinson (Program Coordinator). They each talked about their respective departments such as pistol, air rifle, small bore, summer camps, and of course the CMP State Director program.
Ashley Jackson of the MidwayUSA Foundation was also on hand to discuss the nonprofit’s important relationship with the CMP. The event was facilitated by Sylvia Schoewe, support staff to the State Director.
“All went well!” Schoewe said. “I’ve had quite a few state directors come up and say they enjoyed the meeting, it was very well organized and they learned a lot.”
State Directors also had the opportunity to stand up, introduce themselves and explain a bit about what their state has been involved with 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 acre Talladega Shooting Park.
A full list of CMP state directors, including their individual biographies 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 targeting opportunities available in your area.
CMP State Director Vacancies. The CMP is currently accepting applications for the following states: Delaware, Maine, Nevada, Tennessee, Vermont, and Washington. For more information on the requirements to apply for a State Director position, visit http://thecmp.org/training-tech/state-director/ or contact Sylvia at (419) 635-2141, ext. 726 or email [email protected].
— By Ashley Dugan, CMP Staff Writer
The Civilian Marksmanship Program is a federally chartered 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. It is dedicated to firearms safety and marksmanship training and the promotion of marksmanship competition for United States citizens. To learn more about the CMP and its programs, log on to www.TheCMP.org.
Restricted to those 18 and older in CA pursuant to CA State Assembly Bill 2571 prohibiting the sale of firearms to minors in the State of CA.