The National Rifle Association is holding an election to select new members for their Board of Directors. If you’re an NRA member, then you’re eligible to vote!
With 26 candidates running for 2027, a handful of names stood out to me. One of them was Ken Campbell. I first met Ken in early 2022, during my first trip to Gunsite Academy. Ken was, and is, the CEO of Gunsite, and welcomed us all to the Mecca of firearms training. Throughout the week he’d stop by the range or classroom to check in, and gave several rousing speeches to show his love for Gunsite, the Second Amendment, Gunsite, our nation.
We’ve sat down with Ken today to give folks an opportunity to get to know him in the lead up to the NRA Board of Directors election.
Life-time shooter. Some of my fondest memories with my dad are of playing tic-tac-toe with .22 shorts into the basement bullet trap on my mom’s bowling night as a pre-teen. Teach a youngster responsibilities with firearms and they will be responsible with life in general. Earned my Eagle Scout in 1974 and it is proudly displayed on my Office wall at Gunsite. Began working in a family-owned market at age 15, learning work ethic, customer service and how to count change back! Attended Indiana University in Indianapolis part-time after high school graduation as I worked full-time and was newly married. (Bachelor of Science degree) Hired as a “Turnkey” with the Sheriff’s Office at age 19 and spent 35 years there, working my way though the ranks, retiring after my two (2) constitutionally limited terms as Sheriff.
Performed many roles at the Sheriff’s Office from K-9 Handler to Crash Reconstructionist to SWAT Commander and Firearms Instructor. Taught at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy as a guest Instructor regularly. Received The County “Police Officer of the Year” Award on two (2) occasions, Department Commendation Award on two (2) occasions and the Department Medal of Valor. Also received the “Gun Rights Defender of the Month” Award from the Citizens Committee For the Right to Keep and Bear Arms.
Politically active from Precinct Committeeman to County Republican Party Vice-Chairman. Held political offices of Township Board, County Council (Fiduciary Body) and Sheriff. I was known for my fiscal conservancy. I was fortunate to receive an unusual NRA endorsement for a local level election for my second term as Sheriff.
Began teaching part-time at Gunsite in 1993 and hired as Chief Operating Officer in 2014 and promoted to CEO in 2019.
Married 48 years to my high school sweetheart Shari with two (2) sons and six (6) grandchildren.
NRA Firearms Instructor as part of my Firearms Instructor Certification with the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy decades ago. Benefactor Member of NRA. Consulted with NRA Training Division several years ago concerning their programs. Worked with Buz Mills during his terms as Board of Director.
The NRA is the Republic’s oldest civil rights organization and must continue to represent Americans. This work ranges from the training and education to the increasingly important lobbying efforts locally, state and nationally. Working with Buz Mills as a mentor, I have learned much of the history of the NRA and want to continue the efforts to restore the NRA to its roots as the leader in gun rights protection.
During my careers, I have been fortunate to work with and lead many Type A personalities. This is a skill set in and of itself. Further, as a member the County Fiduciary Body and Sheriff during the recession, being able to separate “wants versus needs” and squeeze the nickel to get the best out of it was paramount. Working across the aisle with a Board and Staff and keeping the overall goal in mind is something I have experience in. Further, my extensive experience in the training industry would be worthwhile to the training division.
The work the last few years to turn around the membership and finances of the NRA is turning a corner. However, that work needs to not just continue, but be enhanced. We made it through a crossroad, but we need to continue to work with the membership to show we are not squandering their hard-earned dollars and earn their trust back.
A little early for me to say, but I’d like to think I’m a quick study and not shy to suggest and lobby for positive changes. The windshield is bigger than the rear-view mirror for a reason and that’s where we need to be focused. We glance in the rear-view to see where we’ve been and to learn from that but let’s focus on our future opportunities.
Continue your membership in the NRA. Help get others to come back or join the first time. If you like what you see in my thoughts and reasoning to be a member of the NRA Board of Directors, vote and ask your member friends to do the same.
My experiences in life have allowed me to work with many good leaders. Learning from them, I have tried to keep all the good and worthwhile and learn from the lesser experiences. The NRA is essential to our Republic and I shall strive to not just keep it that way but make it stronger.
Thank you to Ken for taking the time to sit down and answer some questions for us! For those of you wanting to participate in the upcoming election, make sure your NRA membership is in good standing. Good luck to Ken, and let’s all ensure we’re doing our part to help defend and expand the Second Amendment!
Recently I spoke about the Pros and Cons of IDPA. Since writing that piece I…
For those unaware, the National Rifle Association is run by a Board of Directors. The…
During this year's SHOT Show I had the opportunity to get hands-on with the new…
Shortly after I received my A300UP from Beretta I mounted an optic on the receiver.…
I first started shooting competitively a decade ago. I also first started competing with a…
I've been using Trijicon optics for over seven years as of this writing, with my…