Dick Cabela, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA), and Orrin Ingram, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation (USSAF), jointly announced that, after 16 years of distinguished service, Bud Pidgeon, President and CEO, will step down from this leadership position by the end of 2013.

Mason Lampton, Vice Chairman of the USSA Board of Directors, noted, “Both boards are collectively thrilled with Bud Pidgeon’s performance over the years.  He particularly distinguished himself as a leader, conservationist and sportsman in his role by rebranding the USSA and USSAF and successfully leading the charge to win hundreds of legislative, legal and regulatory issues. “

Among Pidgeon’s many accomplishments is the creation of the Trailblazer Adventure Program which to date has attracted over 1.5 million youth and their families to experience outdoor sports for the first time by staging over 800 events in 48 states.  Pidgeon also played a leadership role in creating the Families Afield Campaign that has resulted in over 800,000 apprentice licenses being issued in 34 states to date. Lastly, he made it possible for the USSA and USSAF to serve over 7 million sportsmen in 45 states in 2012.     

“I couldn’t be prouder of the work that we have accomplished over the past 16 years,” said Pidgeon, USSA President and CEO.  “It has been an absolute privilege to work with such a dedicated board and professional staff.”

An orderly transition will take place during 2013 to select the next President and CEO of the USSA and USSAF. A volunteer search committee has been appointed and Explore Company has been commissioned to assist in the search.  Pidgeon will remain in the CEO role until a new President is appointed.  He will then play a consultant-transitional role to assure that an orderly transition takes place.

Pidgeon will continue to play a strategic role in protecting the quality of life of individuals and groups after he officially exits the USSA and USSAF through a special assignment being created that will utilize his academic and professional background.