Vista Outdoor Inc., the parent company of 41 renowned brands that design, manufacture, and market sporting and outdoor lifestyle products to consumers around the globe, has announced that Jason Vanderbrink, co-CEO of Vista Outdoor and CEO of The Kinetic Group, has been named one of the newest members of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation board of directors.
CSF’s mission is to work with Congress, governors, and state legislatures to protect and advance hunting, angling, recreational shooting, and trapping. The appointment is further proof of Vista Outdoor’s commitment to CSF. In December 2022, the company was honored by the organization at its 19th annual NASC Sportsman-Legislator Summit in Bozeman, Montana. Vista Outdoor was a recipient of a Friends of NASC Award for the company’s contributions to the advancement of conservation policy and the furtherance of the goals of the NASC network. And several company executives have held seats on CSF’s board in prior years.
“I am honored to carry on our company’s tradition of supporting the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation by serving on its board of directors,” said Vanderbrink. “And as an avid outdoorsman and a staunch defender of the policies that protect and advance our nation’s outdoor traditions, I am excited to join my fellow CSF board members as we advocate for sportsmen and sportswomen in Washington, D.C., at state capitols, and wherever our efforts are needed.”
Vanderbrink, who was named CEO of The Kinetic Group last April and co-CEO of Vista Outdoor in December, joined the company’s sales organization in 2005 and has held roles with increasing responsibility. He has more than 24 years of increasing leadership experience in the outdoor industry, including five years with The Cullerton Co. He is an avid sportsman and conservationist, and he has led numerous initiatives to expand youth recreational shooting access and conservation programs during his time at Sporting Products. He also serves on the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s board of governors.
During his tenure at The Kinetic Group, Vanderbrink has driven rapid and award-winning new product innovation, oversaw the acquisition of Remington and HEVI-Shot, and demonstrated record sales and profitability. An avid outdoorsman who is passionate about hunting and shooting, Vanderbrink is a proud member of the NRA Ring of Honor and a life member of several conservation organizations.
Two other outdoor industry executives — Jason Hornady of Hornady Manufacturing Inc. and Brian Luoma, who recently retired as CEO of the Westervelt Co. — joined Vanderbrink on the CSF board. Click here to read CSF’s press release on its appointments.
“We are excited to expand our board with three new members who will bring diverse expertise and insight to CSF’s mission. As CSF continues to be at the forefront leading the battle to protect and advance our outdoor traditions, it is critically important that our board membership reflects the industry and outdoor community we serve,” said Jeff Crane, CSF president and CEO. “Our nation’s 55 million sportsmen and women can rest assured knowing their outdoor passions and pursuits will continue to be protected and advanced through the strength and leadership of the CSF board and our team of policy experts.”
“I have had the honor of being involved with this organization for nearly 20 years, including serving time on the board,” said Richard Childress, board chairman. “What this organization does for America’s sportsmen and women is immeasurable and is a testament to the strength of the industry representation serving on this board. I look forward to helping CSF continue their charge through board engagement because, without CSF, there may not be a world where hunting, fishing, recreational shooting, and trapping exist.”
