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November 20, 2024
NSSF Government Relations Team Profile: Art Thomm
NSSF’s Government Relations Team is working hard on behalf of the entire firearm and ammunition industry, both at the federal level and at state capitals across the country. To give our members a better understanding of who is fighting for their businesses and Second Amendment rights every day, NSSF will periodically publish a Government Relations Team member profile. November’s NSSF GR Team profile is for Art Thomm, NSSF Director for Government Relations – State Affairs, Southeast Region.
1) What is your favorite hunting or recreational shooting sports activity?
Over the last few years, I’ve enjoyed getting out with friends that have hunting dogs and hunting black bear here in West Virginia. My last bear was harvested in the early September season, but I’m hopeful to grab a larger one when we go out in the late season this coming December.
2) How did you become interested in professionally advocating for pro-firearm industry policies and Second Amendment rights?
I’ve always been passionate about firearms and specifically our Second Amendment rights. In 2007, I was one of the founding members of the West Virginia Citizens Defense League, which has grown to be the largest state-level, all volunteer gun rights group in W.V. It was there that my passion turned professional. I took my show on the road, first with NRA-ILA, and now here at NSSF where I advocate for fellow Americans and our constitutional freedoms.
3) Describe your role within NSSF to the firearm industry community.
I work closely with both elected and appointed government officials in the southeast to craft policies and advocate for issues that ensure our members can be successful and enable their customers to exercise the full rights in hunting and shooting sports.
4) What is your favorite aspect of your role with NSSF while interacting with industry partners?
I love working in the firearms and Second Amendment space. Having worked in the civil rights side of our business for years, it has been great to come over to the industry side and advocate for our partners.
5) Describe your favorite “win” from your role/advocacy on behalf of the firearm industry.
I have been honored to represent our issues across the country and pass meaningful legislation that will forever change state laws and enable Americans to better exercise their Second Amendment rights. Moving Constitutional Carry in several states and leading the charge in Florida, resulting in a majority of the states having Constitutional Carry, was a memorable win. I was also named one of the “Power 100” in the Sunshine State that year, among the most influential political players in Florida. It’s sometimes overwhelming to think about the impact you’ve made when it comes to our American freedoms and that generations to come will benefit from your work.
6) What’s a favorite hobby or recreational activity outside of hunting or shooting sports?
I like to spend time traveling with my wife, riding Harley Davidson motorcycles with my two sons, and watching my daughter play softball. I’m blessed beyond measure.
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