admin As the Director of Development and Marketing at Gun Owners of America (GOA), Kailey Nieman stands at the intersection of passion, advocacy, and strategy. Her role encompasses far more than marketing; it’s about mobilizing a movement, engaging communities, and ensuring that GOA’s message of defending the Second Amendment remains powerful, principled, and far-reaching.
With a deep understanding of communication dynamics and grassroots engagement, she has become a driving force behind GOA’s modern outreach initiatives. Her leadership continues to inspire a new generation of advocates who view freedom not just as a right, but as a shared responsibility.
“GOALS isn’t just an event; it’s a living experience that brings together our members, partners, and advocates to celebrate freedom and strengthen the movement that protects it.”
– Kailey Nieman
A Vision Rooted in Advocacy
Kailey’s journey into advocacy began with a profound commitment to communication and leadership. Holding a Master’s degree in Strategic Communications from Liberty University, along with dual Bachelor’s degrees in Political Science, Government, and Media Communications from East Tennessee State University, she built a strong academic foundation that blends policy insight with storytelling expertise.
Her educational background provided the framework to translate complex legislative issues into messages that resonate with everyday Americans. This skill would later define her work at GOA, where she continues to refine how the organization engages with its growing base of supporters.
Empowering the Second Amendment Community
Kailey joined Gun Owners of America at a crucial time when the organization sought to expand its grassroots outreach. In 2020, she spearheaded the launch of GOA’s Strategic Partnership Program (SPP), a pioneering initiative designed to bridge the gap between the organization’s advocacy efforts and the industry partners who share its vision.
What began as a small-scale partnership effort evolved into a powerful coalition of over 34 companies, all endorsing GOA’s “No Compromise” strategy. Through the SPP, Kailey strengthened GOA’s collaborative network, fostering partnerships that extend beyond sponsorships to embody shared values of liberty and constitutional rights.
Her leadership didn’t stop there. In 2021, Kailey launched GOA’s Caliber Club, a membership program aimed at frontline Second Amendment supporter’s gun stores, shooting ranges, and firearms instructors. Under her guidance, the Caliber Club grew rapidly, now boasting over 5,000 members who actively contribute to sustaining GOA’s mission through education, advocacy, and engagement.
GOALS: Celebrating 50 Years of Advocacy
As part of her work leading development and marketing, Kailey plays an instrumental role in organizing Gun Owners Advocacy and Leadership Summit (GOALS), a landmark event marking GOA’s 50th anniversary.
Set to take place at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, the GOALS Convention will be the largest celebration in GOA’s history, spanning over 150,000 square feet of exhibits featuring premier firearms, tactical gear, and defense innovations.
The convention aims to unite the community around a shared mission, preserving and advancing the constitutional right to bear arms. Beyond the exhibits, attendees will engage in workshops, panels, and keynote sessions featuring leading voices in the firearm industry and Second Amendment advocacy.
Kailey describes GOALS not merely as an event but as “an experience.” In her words, “Our members aren’t here to waste time on a weekend. They come to engage with leadership, with companies, and with the community that safeguards our freedoms.”
Strategic Leadership and Community Building
Kailey’s approach to leadership blends creativity with conviction. Her strategic acumen lies in crafting experiences that connect emotionally with supporters while reinforcing GOA’s steadfast values. She believes advocacy thrives when members feel directly involved in shaping outcomes, a philosophy evident in how she designs GOA’s outreach programs.
Her communication strategy emphasizes authenticity speaking to people, not at them. Through digital campaigns, partnership collaborations, and on-the-ground initiatives, she ensures that GOA’s message remains consistent: freedom is worth defending, and collective action is the key to preserving it.
Kailey often emphasizes that passion alone isn’t enough; it must be coupled with discipline and relentless pursuit of excellence. Her favorite saying reflects this ethos:
“When you love what you do, you don’t rest, you push yourself to be better than the day before.”
A Dynamic Career in Communications and Politics
Before joining GOA, Kailey honed her skills in the political and media sectors. She served as Communications Director at The New American Populist and as Campaign Manager for Todd McKinley for Congress. These roles sharpened her ability to craft compelling narratives, manage diverse teams, and execute high-stakes communication strategies, all invaluable in her current work at GOA.
Her experiences across politics, media, and advocacy gave her a nuanced understanding of how narratives shape public opinion and policy outcomes. This insight continues to guide her as she steers GOA’s brand presence and development initiatives into the future.
“When you love what you do, you don’t stop to rest, you push harder, lead stronger, and inspire others to stand for something greater than themselves.”
– Kailey Nieman
Inspiring the Next Generation of Advocates
Kailey’s work transcends traditional marketing. It’s about cultivating belonging within a movement that spans generations. Her initiatives invite young Americans to engage in conversations about liberty, responsibility, and civic action.
By bridging traditional values with modern outreach, she ensures GOA remains both rooted in its founding principles and adaptable to the evolving social landscape. Her efforts serve as a reminder that advocacy, when executed with integrity and vision, can ignite lasting impact.
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