NEW ULM, Minnesota  - The National Archery Buyers Association (NABA), the nation’s largest and most active buying group for archery and bowhunting retailers, has hired Kelly Kelly as its Executive Director. Kelly, formerly the Executive Assistant for the Board and CEO/President of Archery Trade Association, will lead NABA with the support of its Board of Directors, and brings a renewed focus on retailer engagement to her new role. 

Gary Kinard, President of NABA Board of Directors said, “We are excited to welcome Kelly Kelly to our team in her new capacity as Executive Director. I - and other NABA members - have had the pleasure of working with Kelly while serving on the Board of Directors for the Archery Trade Association and were consistently impressed with her incredible organization skills and above all, her concern for ATA member retailers. Her work with the Retail Council and other retailer-focused endeavors was tireless, and we are excited to see that skill set here at NABA.” 

Prior to her 18-year tenure at the Archery Trade Association, Kelly worked with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources working with a team of researchers on deer and upland game birds. Her primary professional focus, however, has been on meeting the unique needs of archery and bowhunting industry across the United States. During her time at the ATA, Kelly developed a strong passion for serving retailers and manufacturers, helping these community-based small businesses to thrive in a challenging economy. 

Kelly said she is extremely grateful for this opportunity and excited to still be working in the archery industry. As Executive Director, she is looking forward to improving and expanding the relationships between manufacturers and retailers; increasing representation on the NABA Board throughout the US to cover all regions; and, learning more about what is needed to grow archery and bowhunting to help our members prosper as well.

Exemplary customer service will be the hallmark of Kelly’s tenure at NABA and thus she encourages NABA Members to call her to discuss what they feel she and the NABA Board need to address in the coming years. Kelly looks forward to meeting everyone at the ATA Trade Show, January 10-12, 2019 in Louisville, Kentucky as well as at the NABA Show in Reno, Nevada from February 21-23, 2019. Look for more information on the NABA show and in coming months.

Founded in 1995, the National Archery Buyers Association is the premier membership organization for archery and bowhunting retailers based in the United States. With 500 members in 45 states, NABA brings together a buying group of quality archery retailers with industry manufacturers to achieve the best wholesale pricing for retailers, and also hosts the annual trade show in Reno, Nevada. Learn more today at www.naba-archery.com.