The trade group for gun manufacturers and retailers has set its sight on insurance PR exec Mike Bazinet after a national search.
Bazinet |
The 51-year-old National Shooting Sports Foundation, which counts more than 7,000 manufacturers, retailers, shooting ranges and sportsmen’s groups among its members, said the former journalist has taken its director of public affairs slot handling communications with general news media and government relations.
The NSSF, which doesn’t have the high profile of the four million-member National Rifle Association, is closely aligned ideologically with the NRA.
Bazinet exits insurer The Hartford as assistant VP, program management and executive communications. He previously worked corporate communications and PA at Terex Corp., UST, Webster Bank, Tenneco and Aetna Life & Casualty. He was previously “Moneyline” editor for USA Today and associate editor for the Journal Inquirer (Manchester, Conn.).
Mark Thomas, former PR director for gun maker Remington, left the NSSF this year as managing director of marketing communications for a slot at firearms maker Kimber MFG. NSSF promoted Bill Dunn, a former reporter, in late April to fill his post.
The NSSF and NRA have pulled back the reins on PR efforts in the aftermath of the Aurora, Colo., massacre.