The National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) honored Jeff Crane of the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF) with the 2026 NASGW Chairman's Award during the association's Annual Appreciation Dinner in Phoenix. Unfortunately, Jeff could not be in attendance so the award was accepted by Kevin Perry, the Vice President of Development for the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation.
The Chairman's Award is presented annually to an individual who has made a significant and lasting impact on the shooting sports industry. Selected by the Chairman of the NASGW Board of Directors, the award recognizes leadership, longevity, commitment and advocacy on behalf of the industry and the broader sporting community.
Crane joined the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation in 2002 and brings more than 40 years of experience in natural resource management, public policy and conservation. Throughout his career, he has worked at the federal, state and international levels to strengthen the voice of hunters, anglers and recreational shooters while advancing policies that support wildlife conservation and America's outdoor traditions.
"Jeff has spent his career bringing people together around issues that are incredibly important to our industry and the future of hunting and conservation," said NASGW Chairman Bill Sumner. "He brings experience, credibility and perspective to every conversation, and his commitment to ensuring sportsmen have a strong voice in the policy process has made a lasting impact. We are proud to recognize him with this year's Chairman's Award."
During his tenure with CSF, Crane has helped foster relationships among the bipartisan Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus, the National Assembly of Sportsmen's Caucuses and the Governors Sportsmen's Caucus, creating connections among policymakers at every level of government and the sportsmen's community.
His leadership has extended across the conservation community as well. Crane has served as Chairman of the Hunting and Shooting Sports Conservation Council, a federal advisory council reporting to the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior, and as Chairman of the American Wildlife Conservation Partners, a coalition of hunting and conservation organizations. He has also held leadership and advisory roles with numerous organizations dedicated to wildlife conservation, hunting and shooting sports.
A lifelong outdoorsman, Crane's career has included service in the U.S. Congress, wildlife habitat management work in the United States and South Africa, and eight years in Africa, where he earned his professional hunter's license and guided big game hunts.
The Chairman's Award was presented during the 2026 NASGW Appreciation Dinner, which annually recognizes individuals, companies and products that have made meaningful contributions to the shooting sports industry.
"Jeff's career represents the kind of long-term commitment to advocacy, conservation and collaboration that strengthens our entire industry," said NASGW President Kenyon Gleason. "The connections he has helped build between policymakers, conservation organizations and the sporting community have created an important foundation for protecting the interests of sportsmen for generations to come."
About NASGW
The National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers is comprised of wholesalers, manufacturers, independent sales reps, media, and service providers - both national and international - all primarily focused on shooting sports equipment and accessories. As a trade association representing the business interests of its members, NASGW's mission is to bring shooting sports buyers and sellers together. For more information about the NASGW, visit the association's website at www.nasgw.org.