The National Shooting Sports Foundation, the trade association for the firearms, ammunition, hunting and shooting sports industry, has promoted Melissa Schilling to director of its recruitment and retention initiatives.
Schilling, formerly manager of recruitment and retention, is widely known in the conservation community for her work with NSSF programs that encourage newcomers to try hunting and target shooting and that encourage mentoring by experienced sportsmen and women. Among those programs are Families Afield and Explore Wingshooting.
She also oversees NSSF's Hunting Heritage Partnership grant program, which has provided millions in funding to state wildlife agencies to increase opportunities and access for hunting. Additionally, she manages NSSF's Range Partnership grant program and has served as program chair of NSSF's highly successful 2011 Shooting Sports Summit.
“Melissa's strong working relationships in the conservation community, including with state wildlife agencies nationwide, and her expertise with grants make her a key member of the management team at NSSF,” said Randy Clark, managing director of business development. “Melissa continues to deliver measurable results that positively impact participation in hunting and shooting.”
Schilling has worked at NSSF for nine years. Early in her career, she worked in public relations and then as coordinator of NSSF's Step Outside program.
As part of her new duties, Schilling will oversee NSSF's First Shots learn-to-shoot program. Tisma Juett, manager of First Shots, will report to Schilling.
