NEW ULM, Minn. — The Archery Trade Association (ATA) today announced that CEO & President Jeff Poole will retire on January 31, 2027, concluding five years of transformative leadership at the helm of the archery and bowhunting industry’s premier trade organization.
Poole assumed leadership of the ATA during a critical and uncertain period following the COVID-19 pandemic. Navigating post-pandemic market dynamics and shifting consumer demands, his steady vision provided vital stability and unified industry stakeholders. Under his direction, the ATA reimagined its signature annual gathering, successfully evolving it into a dynamic, three-part industry celebration that brings together the core Trade Show, the consumer-focused Bowhunters Super Show, and a premier archery tournament. This expanded footprint broadened the event’s reach, energizing both business-to-business commerce and grassroots archery enthusiasm.
Poole was also instrumental in the launch and expansion of Bowhunters United, an initiative that quickly emerged as a unified voice for the archery and bowhunting community. By cultivating a dedicated grassroots base, Bowhunters United significantly grew membership while advocating for the protection, promotion, and preservation of bowhunting nationwide. In tandem with these membership initiatives, Poole guided the ATA team through critical legislative and conservation efforts, championing policies to protect public land access, secure habitat conservation funding, and safeguarding the interests of manufacturers and independent retailers across North America.
“Jeff stepped into the ATA at a pivotal moment and led our industry through complex transitions with clarity and steady leadership,” said Jonathan Lene, ATA Board Chairman. “On behalf of the ATA Board of Directors and the entire staff, we extend our deepest gratitude to Jeff for his five years of dedicated service. He has positioned this organization for sustainable, long-term growth, and while he will be missed, we wish him and his family the very best as he embarks on a well-deserved retirement.”
Looking ahead, Poole is eager to spend more time with his family and begin checking off items from his retirement bucket list, while continuing to support the sport he has served throughout his career.
The ATA Board of Directors has initiated an executive search to identify the next CEO & President who will guide the organization into its next chapter and build upon the solid foundation Poole, and his team have established over the past five years.
Qualified candidates interested in applying for the CEO & President position can submit their resumes and credentials to careers@archerytrade.org.
About the Archery Trade Association
The Archery Trade Association is the organization for manufacturers, retailers, distributors, sales representatives, and other industry professionals focused on promoting the sports of archery and bowhunting. The ATA works tirelessly to grow archery and bowhunting participation, protect industry rights, and ensure the long-term vitality of the sport.
