CMP CHAIRMAN & CEO UPDATE – FALL 2026
Posted on: Sep 30, 2026
Opening Comments:
As many of you know, this is my last CEO Sends, and I write this with a keen awareness of how important you have all been to the powerful positive momentum we’ve achieved towards CMP’s mission and vision. Effective 1 Oct. 2026, Mr. Fabian Lobera assumes the duties of the CMP CEO, and I will remain the Chairman of the Board with a bit of a different title – Executive Chairman of the Board.
As I make this transition, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to the people who have made CMP’s success possible: our customers, competitors, volunteers, supporters and countless members of the marksmanship community. In addition to our amazing, skilled and hard-working CMP staff professionals, your passion for the shooting sports, commitment to safety and excellence and unwavering support of our mission have helped preserve and strengthen America’s marksmanship tradition for future generations.
In one capacity or another, I’ve been associated with the CMP for most of the last 16 years, but as CEO these last four years, it has been my distinct honor and a privilege to serve alongside you during a period of significant growth and achievement. One of the highlights of my last four years was in getting to know so many of you. I’ve tried to make a very intentional effort to be transparent with our great customers and competitors, to be present as much as possible and to have a connection. The friendships formed, accomplishments shared and dedication demonstrated by our community have been among the most rewarding aspects of my time as CEO. I look forward to supporting and guiding the CMP in my new role as CMP’s Executive Chairman and continuing the relationships we’ve built.
And we’ve in fact made great progress on our strategic efforts to 1) solidify our surplus gun sales pipeline; 2) grow our programs and 3) modernize the CMP. The synergistic impact of these three efforts secures the CMP’s future for years to come. Together, we have expanded opportunities for competition, education and training while continuing to uphold the values of citizenship, responsibility and service that have guided this organization for more than a century. As I begin this next chapter as Executive Chairman, I do so with great confidence in CMP’s future and sincere appreciation for the trust you have placed in me and our organization. Thank you again for your passion for our mission and for all your support.
M14 Update:
As previously announced, the CMP will soon be selling converted, semi-automatic M14s. The schedule for this project is on track. We’ll begin the conversion process over the next three months and plan to initiate sales in Jan ’27. Sales will occur initially via mail order, but we’ll bring the M14s to all our physical stores in AL, OH and eventually WY as soon as possible thereafter. More details will be forthcoming later this Fall.
Stay connected to the latest updates as they come through our website at https://thecmp.org/l/m14-announcement/.
Shotgun Update:
The Civilian Marksmanship Program achieved an important legislative milestone via the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which expanded CMP’s statutory authority to receive and sell certain surplus military pump-action shotguns. This change authorizes a one-time transfer of eligible surplus shotguns from the U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force to the CMP, preserving an important part of American military history while creating a new opportunity for collectors, competitors and firearms enthusiasts. The legislation specifically added pump-action shotguns to the list of firearms eligible for transfer and sale through the CMP, continuing Congress’s longstanding support of the CMP’s mission of marksmanship, firearms safety and youth development.
As implementation moves forward, the U.S. Army has identified 2,027 surplus shotguns for transfer to the CMP, consisting of 1,589 each Mossberg 500 shotguns and 438 each Winchester Model 1897 shotguns. These historic firearms represent more than a century of military service, spanning from the iconic trench-gun era of the early 20th century through modern military and security applications. We are working closely with Army officials to complete transfer requirements and develop restoration, inspection and sales plans. We look forward to making these firearms available to eligible U.S. customers while ensuring they are preserved and appreciated by future generations of Americans. Expectation management: The NDAA allows for just this one-time surplus shotgun transfer, and 438 each Winchester Model 1897 shotguns is a small quantity, given the likely demand.
Camp Perry Expansion:
The CMP’s new Competition Complex at Camp Perry represents one of the most significant investments in competitive marksmanship in our organization’s history. Currently under construction adjacent to the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center, the new facility is being designed to create a premier destination for athletes, coaches, families and marksmanship enthusiasts from across the country. The project will add modern indoor competition and training space for air rifle, smallbore and pistol disciplines while enhancing spectator experiences, athlete amenities and event operations. The facility is planned to substantially increase CMP’s capacity to host national-level competitions, training camps and championship events.
When completed, the new complex will feature advanced electronic target systems, expanded retail space, athlete gathering areas, locker rooms, fitness and support facilities, improved spectator seating and dedicated areas for awards, education and historical displays celebrating the legacy of Camp Perry and the CMP. The expansion will strengthen Camp Perry’s position as the home of American marksmanship while creating new opportunities for junior athletes, collegiate programs, elite competitors and recreational shooters. Our goal is simple: provide a world-class facility that supports competition, training, education and fellowship for generations to come.
Now almost two months post the 3 Aug. ceremonial groundbreaking, the construction effort is proceeding on schedule. The attached pictures provide a visual of the scope of the project which is much larger than the existing Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center. The project completion date is Dec. 2027, so we still have a way to go.
See more on this project at https://thecmp.org/l/cmp-invests-in-the-future-of-marksmanship-with-camp-perry-expansion/.
Wyoming State Shooting Complex Update:
In April, we announced a major component of our Western Expansion through a $10 million challenge grant dedicated to the development of the Wyoming State Shooting Complex (WSSC) in Cody. The grant will be available for three years, with the CMP matching new private and industry donations secured by the WSSC, up to $10 million.
The complex is currently under development on 2,000 acres of state-contributed land and will aim to become one of the nation’s premier shooting sports destinations for elite competitors, recreational marksmen and women and youth programs.
In addition to the contributions to the construction of the facility and range complex, the CMP will have a permanent retail presence within the Clubhouse that is set to feature products already available within our existing stores, including access to our assortment of historic American firearms. And while details need to be worked out, the CMP would also like to both sanction and run CMP events at the WSSC upon its completion.
See more on this project at https://thecmp.org/civilian-marksmanship-program-announces-10-million-challenge-grant-for-wyoming-state-shooting-complex/.
CMP Anniston Store:
In February, we announced the temporary closing of our CMP Store in Anniston, Ala., while we underwent major construction. We’re happy to announce a new store in Anniston is currently under construction. It will be much larger than its Anniston predecessor and will be complete in the Dec. ’26 to Jan. ’27 timeframe. We will plan to sell our surplus firearms inventory in the store to include converted, semi-automatic M14s.
When completed, the CMP South Store will be only a few buildings away from its previous location within the Judith Legerski CMP Competition Center. It will also include a new classroom dedicated to holding our popular series of Advanced Maintenance Classes, where participants build their own M1 Garand from hand-picked parts.
New CEO:
As you are aware, the CMP Board of Directors has named Fabian Lobera as our new CEO. A proven leader and CMP’s former Chief Operating Officer, Fabian brings over 30 years of finance, operations and business leadership experience to his new role. Fabian’s history with the CMP is also deep-rooted; he began his connection to the organization as a member of its Board of Directors, focusing on programmatic and youth development efforts. A Certified Public Accountant and graduate of George Mason University, Fabian is also a former collegiate national champion in skeet and trap.
Over the last three years, Fabian’s played a primary role in the CMP’s transformation and is the perfect choice to lead CMP into the future. Please join me in welcoming Fabian into this new role.