Michael Blaz has been appointed as the new general counsel for the National Rifle Association of America (NRA), amidst a significant leadership reorganization within the influential gun rights group. He replaces the NRA’s previous top legal advisor, John Frazer, although Frazer will remain within the association, having been reelected to his role as secretary.
The leadership changes within the NRA occur in the wake of a damaging legal battle, which has seen the group and its executives held accountable for violating New York law by the misuse of donor funds. This follows an earlier lawsuit brought forth by New York Attorney General Leticia James.
Earlier this week, the NRA also saw a changing of the guard at the top with Doug Hamlin replacing Chief Executive Wayne LaPierre, who stepped down amidst these financial scandal accusations. In February, LaPierre and the NRA were found liable for lavish, unauthorized spending habits that included international family trips funded with charity money.
John Frazer, the former chief legal advisor, also found himself in the crosshairs of that lawsuit, accused of failing to exercise his role to ensure financial transactions were handled correctly and enforce the NRA’s conflict-of-interest policies, while also allegedly approving false or misleading annual statements.
This particular legal battle has cost both the NRA and its leadership, both in terms of finances and reputation. However, with the installation of a new group of leaders, the association is certainly trying to make a break from its troubled past.