MARIETTA, Ga. — A Georgia native has been elected once again as the president of the National Rifle Association following the departure of retired Lt. Col. Oliver North days earlier.
Carolyn Dodgen Meadows now serves as the 67th president of the gun rights organization.
“I am humbled by the Board’s vote of confidence and its support of my vision for the future," she said in a recent statement. "Together, we will continue to serve our members and advocate for all who believe in the fight to defend our Second Amendment freedom."
She also served as the 65th president before North. The now-former president, North, announced that he would not return for a second term - this as the organization pushes through inner turmoil regarding its finances and pressure against its top executive, Wayne LaPierre.
According to the Associated Press, LaPierre claimed in a letter to board members that North was behind the move to force him out.
“I am honored to serve as President of the NRA Board and to help the organization chart its course for the future,” says Meadows. “The Board stands behind Wayne, our members, and the promise of the future of this great association.”
In addition to serving as the 65th president during what was described as a "transitional period" for the NRA, Meadows also worked on several state, local and national campaigns - including those for prominent Republican presidential candidates such as Ronald Reagan, Bob Dole and George H.W. Bush.
She is also the chair to the Stone Mountain Memorial Association board.
According to the NRA, Meadows attended Georgia State University before working at Lockheed Martin, where the NRA said she organized a hunter and gun safety course for employees.
The Marietta resident also spent time out of the country that further led her to push for continued gun rights, the organization said.
"Meadows spent time in Australia shortly after drastic gun control measures were enacted there, an experience which drove home for her the pressing need to protect our Second Amendment rights through legislative and social action," the statement read.
MORE
- Missing 2-year-old girl found safe, endangered child alert canceled
- Cashier accused of stealing thousands from Zaxby's by voiding cash transactions
- Lakeland couple reported missing from senior care facility
- Don't wash raw chicken: CDC sends food poisoning warning
- District attorney considers death penalty case against mom accused of starving 2-year-old to death