MEET CHARLIE HILTUNEN
A REFORMER WITH RESULTS — AND A SERVANT-LEADER FOR NRA MEMBERS.
• NRA Board (since 2022) • Executive Committee • Chairman, Legislative Policy • Vice‑Chair, Legal Affairs • Federal Affairs • Clubs & Associations • NRA Media • Special Committee on Organization • NRA Benefactor Member • 40+ years attorney & lobbyist • Youth Coach & NRA Rifle/Shotgun/Pistol Instructor
• NRA Board (since 2022) • Executive Committee • Chairman, Legislative Policy • Vice‑Chair, Legal Affairs • Federal Affairs • Clubs & Associations • NRA Media • Special Committee on Organization • NRA Benefactor Member • 40+ years attorney & lobbyist • Youth Coach & NRA Rifle/Shotgun/Pistol Instructor
ABOUT CHARLIE Hiltunen
A reformer with results — and a servant-leader for nra members.
Biography
CHARLES T. “CHARLIE” HILTUNEN III IS A LIFELONG DEFENDER OF THE SECOND AMENDMENT, A DEDICATED NRA BENEFACTOR MEMBER, AND A RESPECTED LEADER IN BOTH THE SHOOTING SPORTS AND PUBLIC POLICY ARENAS.
BORN AND RAISED IN INDIANA, CHARLIE’S PASSION FOR MARKSMANSHIP AND HUNTING WAS INSTILLED EARLY — GROWING UP IN A MIDWEST FAMILY WHERE RESPONSIBLE FIREARM OWNERSHIP WAS A TRADITION PASSED FROM FATHER TO SON.
WITH OVER 40 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AS AN ATTORNEY, LOBBYIST, AND STRATEGIC ADVISOR, HE HAS REPRESENTED CLIENTS FROM FORTUNE 500 COMPANIES TO NONPROFITS AND GOVERNMENT AGENCIES.
HE HOLDS A BS AND JD FROM INDIANA UNIVERSITY AND COMPLETED ADVANCED ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRAINING AT NOTRE DAME UNIVERSITY.
Public & Civic Service
Charlie’s commitment to public service is rooted in both professional expertise and civic leadership.
He has served as:
Majority Counsel to the Indiana House of Representatives
Member, Indianapolis Cable Television Franchise Board
Member, Governor Braun’s Transition Team
Managing Director, Indiana Cable Television Association & Indiana Forum for Fair Liability Laws
He has also worked closely with veterans’ organizations, business associations, and state leaders to advance fair policy, transparent governance, and community engagement.
Shooting SPorts & Instruction
Charlie is an NRA Rifle, Shotgun, and Pistol Instructor, NRA Pistol Coach, and NSCA Sporting Clays Instructor.
He actively mentors youth shooters and supports programs like America’s Rifle Challenge, the NRA National & World Championships, and the Indiana Youth Shooting Sports Foundation.
“Education is where it starts. When young people learn the right way—safely, ethically, and responsibly—they become lifelong ambassadors for the Second Amendment.”
Reform Leadership
Charlie helped usher in a new era of leadership at the NRA, working alongside like-minded board members to strengthen transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline.
His role in driving NRA 2.0 centers on five key reforms:
Cementing transparency and accountability in policy and culture
Returning the NRA to its founding missions: safety, training, marksmanship, and advocacy
Expanding grassroots and member engagement across demographics
Strengthening financial responsibility and organizational stability
Building unity on the board around shared principles, not politics
“Reform isn’t just about changing leadership — it’s about ensuring the NRA’s best days are ahead, not behind.”
Service to the NRA & Shooting Community
Since being elected to the NRA Board of Directors in 2022, Charlie has been a driving force behind the organization’s ongoing reform movement — what he calls “NRA 2.0.”
Current Leadership Roles:
Executive Committee
Chairman, Legislative Policy Committee
Vice-Chair, Legal Affairs Committee
Federal Affairs Committee
Clubs & Associations Committee
NRA Media Committee
Special Committee on Organization
Civic & Faith-Based Leadership
Charlie serves and has served in leadership positions across a wide range of civic and nonprofit organizations:
President, Indiana State Rifle & Pistol Association
Board President, Boy Scouts of America – Crossroads Council
Chair, Crossroads Airshow
Founding Board Member, National Guard Foundation of Indiana
Board Member, Volunteers of America
Board Member, Big 4 Coalition (American Legion, VFW, DAV, National Guard Association)
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish — Parish Council & School Commission (Chairman)
He remains actively involved with organizations like the Indiana Minority Health Coalition, Mental Health America in Indiana, and multiple conservation groups including Ducks Unlimited, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Wild Turkey Federation, and Pheasants Forever.
“We’ve overcome incredible challenges to get the NRA back on track, and with NRA 2.0, we are stronger, more transparent, and more committed to serving our members than ever before.”
— Charlie Hiltunen
See Charlie on “riding shotgun with charlie”
(start at 2:38 to jump straight into the episode)
Abbreviated accomplishments
CHARLES T. HILTUNEN, III
Benefactor Member, NRA Board of Directors (Since 2022)
Seasoned Attorney, Lobbyist & Strategic Advisor | 40+ Years of Public Service
National Leadership & Reform
Instrumental in shaping policy and driving reform across key NRA committees:
Executive • Legislative Policy (Chair) • Legal Affairs (Vice Chair) • Federal Affairs • Clubs & Associations • NRA Media.
Championing the NRA’s core mission — safety, training, marksmanship, and defense of the Second Amendment.
State & Youth Leadership
President, Indiana State Rifle & Pistol Association
President, Indiana Youth Shooting Sports Foundation
Certified Instructor & Coach — Rifle, Shotgun, and Pistol
Tirelessly mentoring the next generation of shooters through training, youth programs, and 2A advocacy.
Public Service & Recognition
Extensive public service, including:
• Board President, Crossroads of America Scout Council
• Board Member, “Big Four” Veteran Coalition
Honors & Awards:
Falcon Award for Outstanding Service to the United States and National Guard
Maj. Gen. Umbarger Award
DAV Distinguished Service Award
Professional Background
Respected attorney, lobbyist, and strategic advisor with experience spanning the military, Fortune 500 companies, not-for-profits, and international clients.
Government Roles:
• Indiana House of Representatives — Majority Counsel
• INVets Board Member
• Cable Franchise Board Appointee
Education & Affiliations
Indiana University — B.S., J.D.
Institute for Organizational Management, University of Notre Dame
Affiliations: TSRA • KRPA • OKRA • DU • RMEF • WTF • PF • SCI
Biography (The Longer Version)
Charles (Charlie) Hiltunen is a seasoned attorney and lobbyist with over 40 years of experience in government affairs. Since 1983, he has been actively shaping public policy and advocacy, including serving as Counsel to the Majority in the Indiana House of Representatives. His representation spans Fortune 500 companies, national trade and professional associations, state organizations, and foreign governments, both in Indiana and Washington, D.C.
Through his extensive work with a diverse range of global, national, and state clients, Mr. Hiltunen has cultivated a vast network of business and political connections. His deep experience, innovative strategies, and creative vision equip him to deliver unique advantages in strategic planning, alliance development, and achieving client objectives.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mr. Hiltunen is a dedicated leader in civic and nonprofit endeavors. He serves on numerous boards of directors, including the National Rifle Association, Crossroads Council Boy Scouts, the National Guard Foundation of Indiana, and the Indiana State Rifle & Pistol Association, where he is President. His other leadership roles include serving as Co-Chairman of the 2023 Crossroads Air Show, supporting the Indiana Youth Shooting Sports Foundation, and past service with Volunteers of America. He has been active in NFP organizations including the Indiana Minority Health Coalition, Mental Health America in Indiana, American Heart Association, and American Cancer Society.
Mr. Hiltunen’s unwavering commitment to service and excellence makes him a trusted partner for businesses, organizations, and community initiatives alike.