Candidate: Steve Moneypenny
Steve Moneypenny
Linn, WV
Steve Moneypenny has set a foundation of hard work, diligence and dedication to achieve goals in personal and professional life. Starting martial arts as a teenager he became a national champion and All American athlete, a 3rd Degree Belt in Karate and Tae Kwon Do, and 2nd in Aikido as well as training, coaching competitors and national champions. This dedication to practice and improvement led to him making the rank of Master in IDPA and Grand Master in USPSA along with numerous state and regional titles and top 16 nationals finishes in USPSA, IDPA and 3-Gun Nation. Sharing his passion, he has helped to open USPSA clubs, 3 gun clubs and steel challenge. Shooting is a passion, and every person in the sport deserves equal and fair representation.
Steve rose to the rank of Vice-President and then President of the multi-county board of realtors and served on the board of directors the Multiple Listing Service serving the northern half of West Virginia, where he learned the importance of parliamentary procedure to protect corporate actions, and the importance of team building to maximize efficiency. Since he has served as secretary on the Local Emergency Planning Committee which is governed by both state and federal code, the 911 advisory board and the county planning commission while serving as the floodplain manager/code enforcement. Team work and cohesiveness are vitally important as we move forward, we want to see healthy growing a practical shooting sports!
Combining experience, hard work and passionate commitment Steve Moneypenny will serve the USPSA, SCSA and Multi-gun members professionally and strive to bring transparency and fairness to the organization from all levels through grass roots outreach. His leadership and service based attitude will help make our organization the best it has ever been.
Why are you seeking to be President of USPSA?
I am frustrated at some things that have been lacking in the sport, I want to see things done better and I feel that I can do them better than what they have been in a long time. This organization was developed and for many years worked hard to be the forefront ALL practical shooting! I want insure out future as the largest most well-known practical shooting organization in the world. There is nothing in this world I would rather do than see great people spending time on a range shooting. By representing the members of USPSA as President it will allow me to put forth more effort into growing the sports that have given me a competitive outlet for over 20 years.
Prior to announcing your candidacy, what have you done to help promote safe, fun and fair practical shooting?
I have taught CCW classes since I was 20 years old recommending practical shooting to increase proficiency and confidence in gun handling. I have worked USPSA, IDPA and Multi-gun matches all levels. I have helped to start Steel Challenge, and Multi gun clubs in my state of WV and am working on creating a section in WV. I have actively promoted the shooting sports as a fun, and fair competitive outlet to people of all ages and worked with local organizations to relax firearms laws in the state of WV.
What qualifications set you apart from other candidates? What previous or current employment or volunteer experience do you have that qualifies you for the role of USPSA President?
I am serving and have served on a number of boards, many of which legally requiring transparency and having legal liability if those laws are broken. I have experience in every aspect of our sport and have developed beneficial relationships over the years as well as a natural ability to conform to working in a team at any level from bottom to the top. I have a degree in business with credit hours to focus on marketing accounting and management. I have continued my education in various endeavors through marketing, sales and customer service. Most recently retook the USPSA RO and CRO classes in with expectations to join the range master program once the requirements are met.
Describe the current culture of USPSA.
* USPSA has many subcultures within it. First the largest number of shooters who shoot mostly local matches and do not extensively travel. The second those who shoot a few major matches and travel regionally. Third Those who Travel nationally and predominantly shoot championship matches. Steel Challenge competitors and also Multigun that can be broken down similarly. I feel that the culture is mostly conservative individuals who enjoy a competitive outlet with like minded individuals. This is one of the few sports that transcend class and career fields.
After reviewing the bylaws, please explain what the President of USPSA is responsible for and how will you fulfill those responsibilities if elected?
Section 7.2 describes the roles of the president.
I will ensure that we have an appropriate number of meetings but not overwhelm our board members. Agendas will be clear and concise as to what is happening and why. The state of WV has specific sunshine act, and open government procedures act, I will follow and exceed the Washington and Delaware versions of this to limit liability of the organization and its members, I will also ensure the minutes are clearly defining what is happening at the meeting and not just be a summary or generalization. No Executive sessions without a listed topic, and no extracurricular discussion.
As match director I will create a team, for each national championship, to bring a unique flavor from each area into the sport. I will delegate and serve in specific capacities to make each match the best it can possibly be.
I will attend all required events as well as others to help and promote our sport.
What are the top three areas that need to be addressed within USPSA? What is your strategy for addressing them?
The Organization Is becoming more transparent, I want to continue this as well as helping to balance the budget.
USPSA National Championships need elevated to a better level. I will add podiums to and a higher level of photography and attempt to increase the ambiance of our awards ceremonies among other improvements to the match experience.
Information needs to better flow to and from local clubs, especially as we grow as an entire practical shooting discipline, pistol rifle, shotgun, multigun and steel challenge.
If elected President of USPSA please explain how you will help support the clubs, sections and current members as well as promote USPSA to potential members?
As the chief representative of the sport I would conduct myself in a professional manner. Serving as the chair for the board scheduling, giving clear concise agendas with ample time and leading the meetings in a positive productive manner. Organize national championships as far ahead as the board of directors will allow so that vacation and other planning can take place in a timely manner. I will ensure that all clubs and sections can contact me with their concerns and that those concerns will be heard and acted upon. I have planned a local club outreach and to help provide marketing materials and other resources including the updated club resource manual that clubs may need to better grow our sport from a grass roots level. This includes expanding our already existing online training options.
After reviewing Article 5 bylaw 5.1 please provide an outline of your strategy for items i) through vi)
i.)I am a fiscally conservative person and will bring that into the leadership role, we must remain profitable but should also reinvest into our clubs. We need a marketing budget.
ii.)I have a long list of recruitment techniques, many of which require little to no financial outlay. By increasing support on a club level we will retain more members. I will lobby for market research be done to better serve current and future members.
iii.) Providing a good explanation flyer and partnering with our sponsors so everyone who buys a firearm from them will at least have the opportunity to be exposed to USPSA. Using the dealer network to get flyers into local gun store. As well as sponsoring and attending matches that bring in large numbers new of people such as ex. Metal Madness scholastic steel and other outreach organizations.
iv.) I have created polls and will see that official polls are done so that the members can get the nationals THEY want. I am currently identifying potential ranges for those types of matches. I will also work with local chambers of commerce in those areas to help USPSA safe money on having matches in that area and providing information on that area to our members so that they can possibly enjoy other things at that match location.
v.) We need work with all shooting organizations to better and more cohesively promote the shooting sports. I have experience in many different shooting disciples and relationships in many already sustaining these relationships and building new will allow us all to prosper.
vi.) I will ensure proper comment period and transparency to these changes as they are needed. I will encourage regular updates to training and the availability of RO information and courses to people who cannot participate in person classes.
After reviewing the USPSA bylaws explain how you see your working relationship with the Managing Director and Board of Directors.
The managing director's focus is the internal workings and management of the organization's structure, the day-to-day workings, and policies of the organization. We are all a team with similar goals and the same responsibilities. As president I will lead by example and encourage, empower and promote those who I am working with while encouraging improvements. We can all accomplish more working together. I have always had a unique ability to work with other individuals to make the team better as a whole. I feel this ability is vital for our president and the working relationship of the Managing Director is crucial.
What is USPSA doing right?
There are a lot of great things happening now. The RO and CRO classes have been updated (I recently have been in both classes and they are much better). The board is starting to use committees to help grow and understand steel challenge, and has appointed people to the required committees based on their experience and knowledge. The classification system has been seeing some updates and has more planned. The Board has made great improvements in the minutes and transparency recently. My feeling is that with just a little more focused effort we can continue to improve.
If elected, what other issues would you want to address and what is your strategy for addressing them.
I want to reduce the turnover in our sport and make more resources readily available to our clubs. This can be done by providing the channels for growth in volunteerism, training for other volunteers to prevent a stagnation in many of our roles. Followed by expanding the knowledge of the public of the existence of USPSA, Steel Challenge ( SCSA) and other disciplines. The public needs to know we exist and how much fun the sport is. I feel a grass roots expansion of membership can show huge growth potential in the current political state. By instituting programs to reward growth in our membership we can foster a community that grows smoothly and organically.
If you are unsuccessful in your bid to become president, how will you serve USPSA in the future?
I am an RO and CRO with experience as a match director and will continue running and shooting matches. I will be continuing on a very similar path of helping to incorporate more local clubs and make that aspect of the sport more accessible. Helping to create multi-gun classifiers and bring more clubs under the USPSA multi-gun Umbrella. I am committed to the practical shooting sports growth, being USPSA president will allow put the maximum amount of effort into that!
I am frustrated at some things that have been lacking in the sport, I want to see things done better and I feel that I can do them better than what they have been in a long time. This organization was developed and for many years worked hard to be the forefront ALL practical shooting! I want insure out future as the largest most well-known practical shooting organization in the world. There is nothing in this world I would rather do than see great people spending time on a range shooting. By representing the members of USPSA as President it will allow me to put forth more effort into growing the sports that have given me a competitive outlet for over 20 years.
Prior to announcing your candidacy, what have you done to help promote safe, fun and fair practical shooting?
I have taught CCW classes since I was 20 years old recommending practical shooting to increase proficiency and confidence in gun handling. I have worked USPSA, IDPA and Multi-gun matches all levels. I have helped to start Steel Challenge, and Multi gun clubs in my state of WV and am working on creating a section in WV. I have actively promoted the shooting sports as a fun, and fair competitive outlet to people of all ages and worked with local organizations to relax firearms laws in the state of WV.
What qualifications set you apart from other candidates? What previous or current employment or volunteer experience do you have that qualifies you for the role of USPSA President?
I am serving and have served on a number of boards, many of which legally requiring transparency and having legal liability if those laws are broken. I have experience in every aspect of our sport and have developed beneficial relationships over the years as well as a natural ability to conform to working in a team at any level from bottom to the top. I have a degree in business with credit hours to focus on marketing accounting and management. I have continued my education in various endeavors through marketing, sales and customer service. Most recently retook the USPSA RO and CRO classes in with expectations to join the range master program once the requirements are met.
Describe the current culture of USPSA.
* USPSA has many subcultures within it. First the largest number of shooters who shoot mostly local matches and do not extensively travel. The second those who shoot a few major matches and travel regionally. Third Those who Travel nationally and predominantly shoot championship matches. Steel Challenge competitors and also Multigun that can be broken down similarly. I feel that the culture is mostly conservative individuals who enjoy a competitive outlet with like minded individuals. This is one of the few sports that transcend class and career fields.
After reviewing the bylaws, please explain what the President of USPSA is responsible for and how will you fulfill those responsibilities if elected?
Section 7.2 describes the roles of the president.
I will ensure that we have an appropriate number of meetings but not overwhelm our board members. Agendas will be clear and concise as to what is happening and why. The state of WV has specific sunshine act, and open government procedures act, I will follow and exceed the Washington and Delaware versions of this to limit liability of the organization and its members, I will also ensure the minutes are clearly defining what is happening at the meeting and not just be a summary or generalization. No Executive sessions without a listed topic, and no extracurricular discussion.
As match director I will create a team, for each national championship, to bring a unique flavor from each area into the sport. I will delegate and serve in specific capacities to make each match the best it can possibly be.
I will attend all required events as well as others to help and promote our sport.
What are the top three areas that need to be addressed within USPSA? What is your strategy for addressing them?
The Organization Is becoming more transparent, I want to continue this as well as helping to balance the budget.
USPSA National Championships need elevated to a better level. I will add podiums to and a higher level of photography and attempt to increase the ambiance of our awards ceremonies among other improvements to the match experience.
Information needs to better flow to and from local clubs, especially as we grow as an entire practical shooting discipline, pistol rifle, shotgun, multigun and steel challenge.
If elected President of USPSA please explain how you will help support the clubs, sections and current members as well as promote USPSA to potential members?
As the chief representative of the sport I would conduct myself in a professional manner. Serving as the chair for the board scheduling, giving clear concise agendas with ample time and leading the meetings in a positive productive manner. Organize national championships as far ahead as the board of directors will allow so that vacation and other planning can take place in a timely manner. I will ensure that all clubs and sections can contact me with their concerns and that those concerns will be heard and acted upon. I have planned a local club outreach and to help provide marketing materials and other resources including the updated club resource manual that clubs may need to better grow our sport from a grass roots level. This includes expanding our already existing online training options.
After reviewing Article 5 bylaw 5.1 please provide an outline of your strategy for items i) through vi)
i.)I am a fiscally conservative person and will bring that into the leadership role, we must remain profitable but should also reinvest into our clubs. We need a marketing budget.
ii.)I have a long list of recruitment techniques, many of which require little to no financial outlay. By increasing support on a club level we will retain more members. I will lobby for market research be done to better serve current and future members.
iii.) Providing a good explanation flyer and partnering with our sponsors so everyone who buys a firearm from them will at least have the opportunity to be exposed to USPSA. Using the dealer network to get flyers into local gun store. As well as sponsoring and attending matches that bring in large numbers new of people such as ex. Metal Madness scholastic steel and other outreach organizations.
iv.) I have created polls and will see that official polls are done so that the members can get the nationals THEY want. I am currently identifying potential ranges for those types of matches. I will also work with local chambers of commerce in those areas to help USPSA safe money on having matches in that area and providing information on that area to our members so that they can possibly enjoy other things at that match location.
v.) We need work with all shooting organizations to better and more cohesively promote the shooting sports. I have experience in many different shooting disciples and relationships in many already sustaining these relationships and building new will allow us all to prosper.
vi.) I will ensure proper comment period and transparency to these changes as they are needed. I will encourage regular updates to training and the availability of RO information and courses to people who cannot participate in person classes.
After reviewing the USPSA bylaws explain how you see your working relationship with the Managing Director and Board of Directors.
The managing director's focus is the internal workings and management of the organization's structure, the day-to-day workings, and policies of the organization. We are all a team with similar goals and the same responsibilities. As president I will lead by example and encourage, empower and promote those who I am working with while encouraging improvements. We can all accomplish more working together. I have always had a unique ability to work with other individuals to make the team better as a whole. I feel this ability is vital for our president and the working relationship of the Managing Director is crucial.
What is USPSA doing right?
There are a lot of great things happening now. The RO and CRO classes have been updated (I recently have been in both classes and they are much better). The board is starting to use committees to help grow and understand steel challenge, and has appointed people to the required committees based on their experience and knowledge. The classification system has been seeing some updates and has more planned. The Board has made great improvements in the minutes and transparency recently. My feeling is that with just a little more focused effort we can continue to improve.
If elected, what other issues would you want to address and what is your strategy for addressing them.
I want to reduce the turnover in our sport and make more resources readily available to our clubs. This can be done by providing the channels for growth in volunteerism, training for other volunteers to prevent a stagnation in many of our roles. Followed by expanding the knowledge of the public of the existence of USPSA, Steel Challenge ( SCSA) and other disciplines. The public needs to know we exist and how much fun the sport is. I feel a grass roots expansion of membership can show huge growth potential in the current political state. By instituting programs to reward growth in our membership we can foster a community that grows smoothly and organically.
If you are unsuccessful in your bid to become president, how will you serve USPSA in the future?
I am an RO and CRO with experience as a match director and will continue running and shooting matches. I will be continuing on a very similar path of helping to incorporate more local clubs and make that aspect of the sport more accessible. Helping to create multi-gun classifiers and bring more clubs under the USPSA multi-gun Umbrella. I am committed to the practical shooting sports growth, being USPSA president will allow put the maximum amount of effort into that!
I see the shooting sports having the potential to grow at an exponential rate over the coming few years. Throughout my life firearms and the shooting sports have helped to motivate me, maintain a competitive outlet to which I could improve, and to help others improve themselves. The skills learned within these sports and the freedoms that we have been given by being USA residents are not to be taken for granted. I feel that our future depends on the shooting sports to educate and normalize firearms ownership, and public perception in general.
The shooting sports have always worked best from a grass roots effort, it will be my goal as USPSA president to help facilitate that growth while serving our members with professionalism, respect and dignity. Helping to empower our volunteers to provide more, and higher quality matches across our country allow us the opportunity to follow many other trends that have allowed sports grow exponentially.
From growing up on a farm where the work had to be done before anything else; I learned a very strong work ethic, and to this day continue to work tirelessly toward my goals. I never want to look back and say I could/should have worked harder.
To see all of my social media Profiles, etc go to www.stevemoneypenny.com
From growing up on a farm where the work had to be done before anything else; I learned a very strong work ethic, and to this day continue to work tirelessly toward my goals. I never want to look back and say I could/should have worked harder.
To see all of my social media Profiles, etc go to www.stevemoneypenny.com
Email Address: [email protected]