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March 17, 2025
NSSF Government Relations Team Profile: Courtney Willis
NSSF’s Government Relations Team is working hard on behalf of the entire firearm and ammunition industry, both at the federal level and at state capitals across the country. To give our members a better understanding of who is fighting for their businesses and Second Amendment rights every day, NSSF will periodically publish a Government Relations Team member profile. March’s NSSF GR Team profile is for Courtney Willis, NSSF Manager for Legislative and Policy Research.
1) What is your favorite hunting or recreational shooting sports activity?
Big game hunting has a special place in my heart. Growing up, my father taught me to hunt and the importance of firearm safety. As one of four girls, I gladly took the role as the “outdoors” child that proudly announced that camo was my favorite color. Some of my earliest memories involve me sitting in a hunting stand with fingers tightly crossed, hoping a White-tail deer would walk into the field. I will never forget the memory of the first buck I shot! I continued hunting with my father for years and will forever cherish these memories.
2) How did you become interested in professionally advocating for pro-firearm industry policies and Second Amendment rights?
While pursuing my master’s in public administration, I began to see more liberal ideologies forced upon students. As someone who was raised conservative, this struck a nerve. Thankfully, I allocated time completing a fellowship with the Election Center, interning for Alabama’s Secretary of State and working on gubernatorial and senatorial campaigns to foster my own political ideology that included pro-Second Amendment ideas. As a young professional, I believe it is paramount to advocate for the firearm industry to foster an environment for other young women across the country to exercise their Second Amendment rights.
3) Describe your role within NSSF to the firearm industry community.
As the Manager of Legislative & Policy Research, I work with our very talented Research team to produce high quality reports that represent the interest of the firearm industry. This includes data collection, polling and resource creation. This year, we have created many valuable reports for our members and will continue to do so with the years to come.
4) What is your favorite aspect of your role with NSSF while interacting with industry partners?
I thoroughly enjoy getting to know the passionate individuals who work diligently in the firearm industry. The manufacturers, distributors, retailers, ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers nationwide, work hard to highlight the importance of this industry. These individuals have garnered years of valuable knowledge and work hard to keep it viable.
5) Describe your favorite “win” from your role/advocacy on behalf of the firearm industry.
As a part of the Research team, I work to organize the Import / Export Conference and the Research Breakfast at SHOT Show. Being able to facilitate an environment for industry professionals to gather and work towards innovations in this industry is a prominent win! Each event produces new initiatives for our team to capitalize on.
6) What’s a favorite hobby or recreational activity outside of hunting or shooting sports?
Health and fitness activities are my favorite. I thoroughly enjoy the sport of bodybuilding. I have been competing since 2020 and have no plans of stopping any time soon.
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