Founders to remain board members.
Minnesota –-(Ammoland.com)- Andrew Rothman, a long-time civil rights advocate, has been named the new president of the Gun Owners Civil Rights Alliance, the group announced November 30 2013 in Maple Grove, Minn.
Rothman, who has served as GOCRA’s vice president since January of 2011, and who founded the nonprofit Minnesota Association of Defensive Firearm Instructors in 2005, replaces outgoing president Joseph E. Olson, a professor at Hamline University School of Law, who founded GOCRA in 1989 after years of service as an individual activist.
Olson, who will remain chairman of the all-volunteer nonprofit’s board of directors, praised Rothman’s results in building the organization:
“Andrew has brought together the next-generation team,” he said. “They’re politically astute, energetic, media-savvy, and committed.”
David M. Gross, GOCRA’s treasurer since 1989, agreed. “Every organization needs new blood,” he said. “Andrew is a breath of fresh air, ideas, approaches, energy, wit, intelligence, ability, and courage.”
The group also named Rob Doar as its new vice president. Doar, an activist, lobbyist and speaker for the organization for almost three years, has been a constant fixture at the legislature for the last two sessions, and has represented GOCRA in the media and at speaking engagements around the state. In his new role, Doar will officially join Olson as a registered lobbyist for GOCRA.
Doar’s nonprofit experience includes six years on the boards of two community service organizations in Minnesota. Outgoing president Olson spoke highly of Doar’s interpersonal skills, as well as his stamina.
“His energy is unbelievable,” Olson said. “My feet are tired, and he just keeps going.”
Treasurer Gross pointed to Rothman and Doar’s success in flooding the capitol with maroon-shirted supporters during gun control hearings in the last legislative session.
“This gang has done what Joe and I never even dreamed of: mobilizing people, giving them a framework within which to operate, and focusing their energy where it does the most good.”
About GOCRA
Gun Owners Civil Rights Alliance (GOCRA) is a 501(c)4 advocacy organization focused on supporting and defending the civil rights of Minnesota’s more than two million law-abiding gun owners. GOCRA lobbied successfully for the passage of the Minnesota Citizen’s Personal Protection Act, one of the most effective carry laws in the country. GOCRA was also instrumental in passing the Minnesota Range Protection Act, ensuring that current and future generations will be able to enjoy the shooting sports. GOCRA continues to monitor the Minnesota legislature and educate legislators on issues important to voting gun owners.