USA Shooting Announces Staff Promotions and Hires

USA Shooting (USAS) is pleased to announce that Olympian and National Rifle Coach Dave Johnson was promoted to the position of Director of Operations as of August 21. As an athlete, collegiate rifle coach and National Rifle Coach for ten years, Johnson has been involved with the inter-workings of USA Shooting since the beginning of his career.

USAS CEO Robert Mitchell said, “Dave brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position. He offers a unique perspective as a former resident athlete and coach that will help guide the future of USA Shooting and enhance success for our athlete programs for generations to come.”

In his new role, Johnson will assume responsibility for overseeing the shooting disciplines including the high performance plan and resident athlete program. Dave will also supervise the Competitions Division and Youth Development departments.

Johnson’s impressive coaching record is highlighted by helping Team USA win five Olympic medals throughout his tenure as rifle coach. Additionally, as the coach of the University of Alaska Fairbanks from 2000-2002, Johnson coached the team to three individual and two NCAA team titles.

Johnson began shooting in 1972 at the Langley Junior Rifle Club in Virginia, and continued behind the firing line through his high school graduation in 1982. Dedicated to education, he attended West Virginia University where he earned his Bachelors of Science in finance in 1986. After graduation, Johnson joined the U.S. Army Reserves.

During his competitive career Major Johnson was known for his success record. At the 1981 Championships of the Americas, he captured one silver and five gold medals and just two years later he was named the 1983 NCAA Individual Champion. He is a multiple Pan American Games and World Cup medalist, national champion, and earned titles in various U.S. Olympic Festivals. Johnson was also a resident athlete at the U.S Olympic Training Center before beginning his coaching career.

In addition to Johnson’s promotion, former Competitions Coordinator Pete Carson was promoted to Competitions Director in August. Carson has been with USA Shooting since July 2011 and was the interim Director of Competitions for the majority of the 2012 season. He has successfully served as the Match Director for the National Championships, the National Junior Olympic Shooting Championships and the U.S. Olympic Team Trials.

Jeanna Mendoza was hired as the Membership and Merchandise Manager in June of 2012. Mendoza comes to USA Shooting with 12 years experience in the Olympic family, working with both USA Fencing and USA Taekwondo in similar roles. She is eager to bring a fresh approach to the USA Shooting Store in Colorado Springs and engage with the membership to learn more about the shooting sports.

Sara Daum is also a recent new hire. Daum works for the USA Shooting Team Foundation under the direction of USASTF Executive Director Buddy DuVall. She manages USASTF functions at USA Shooting’s headquarters in Colorado Springs.

Finally, 1984 Olympic bronze medalist Wanda Jewell is working with USAS CEO Bob Mitchell as an Administrative Assistant. Jewell, a long-time employee and volunteer for USA Shooting, is also taking an active role in the administration of the shotgun discipline and shotgun resident program in Colorado Springs.