Friends of NRA Event Services Coordinator Nicole McMahon, who works directly with NRA Field Representatives throughout the country, brings NRAblog readers a profile of a different Field Representative every week – or as often as the Field Representatives’ schedules allow.
This week, meet Western Region Director J.P. Nelson.
Nicole McMahon: What states do you cover in your region?
J.P. Nelson: Arizona, Utah, Idaho, Nevada, Washington, California, Oregon, Alaska, and Hawaii.
NM: When did you start your career in Friends of NRA, and why were you drawn to the job?
JPN: September 1986. I was a competitive shooter in Police Combat, Bullseye and High Power Rifle, Distinguished in each discipline. A friend Bob Grego (who later became Director of FDO) worked for NRA as the Southern California field rep, told me about a position for field rep. I applied and was hired as the Northern California rep.
NM: What is unique/different about your region compared to the rest of the country?
JPN: The west has a strong tradition of hunting and shooting. The predominant western attitude is still that of independence and individualism, and it contains some of the most beautiful areas in the entire country, as evidenced by the unique National Parks like Yosemite, Yellowstone, Natural Arches, Zion, Bryce, the Grand Canyon, and many more.
NM: How do you keep your reps motivated and focused throughout the year?
JPN: Our motto is “Good enough never is!” I have tried to imbed an attitude of thinking outside the box to help our events set the standards for the entire division. I want every field rep believing his area and his volunteers can be the absolute best. Doing new and different things that improve the quality and fun at our events has always been the mark of the Western Region. The positive, nothing is impossible attitude exemplifies what the West is all about.
NM: Is it challenging working with many field reps with different personalities?
JPN: Personalities are what makes the job of the Region Director so interesting. I make a conscious effort not to “baby” a new field rep, but it doesn’t take long to determine the type of person a new field rep is. I’ve tried to foster a “team spirit” and encourage the older, more experienced, and successful field reps to be responsible for the success of new team members.
NM: How does that affect your leadership style?
JPN: Having two of the three ladies on the field staff in the Western Team has had a positive effect of the team. They bring an entirely different attitude to the job and working with Donna [Cassity] and Lissa [Davis] has taught me a great deal about my management style.
NM: What is the best part about working as a R.D.?
JPN: Watching a new field rep adjust and become part of the team, and seeing how the positive and supportive attitude of the Western team has motivated and inspired them to succeed. A new field rep who just wants to do enough to get by, never fits into this highly-motivated team. Most of the prior field reps who failed to fit in with the team have not succeeded and are gone.
NM: Is there anything else you would like to add about your Friends of NRA experience?
JPN: After nearly 23 years in Field Operations as a field rep and region director, I’ve met hundreds of great volunteers across the country. Some of the first people I met in 1986 are among my best friends to this day. Some, like Gene Kurilow and Charlie Sun, have left this world, but what I learned from them will stay with me until I join them. Many others, like Floyd & Marie Hancock and Barbara Kurilow, are still teaching me how to be a better person and a better NRA employee. I have been blessed to meet so many wonderful people over the last 23 years.
J.P. Nelson (right) talks with Field Rep Specialist Rex Thomas.