NBEF Executive Director Marilyn Bentz Honored with ATA’s Industry Impact Award

RAPID CITY, SD (February 23, 2026) – The National Bowhunter Education Foundation
(NBEF) Executive Director Marilyn Bentz was presented with ATA’s Industry Impact
Award at the Industry Celebration at the 2026 ATA Trade Show in Indianapolis.

This award is designed to honor leaders in the archery industry who inspire others and
grow participation in archery and bowhunting. A group of archery industry peers
nominated Bentz to receive the award which celebrates contributions made through
creativity, service, technology, philanthropy, engagement, longevity, sustainability,
overcoming adversity or raising awareness.

“I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to contribute to the archery and bowhunting
industry for many years. I’ll continue my efforts to increase participation and promote
safety,” said Marilyn Bentz, Executive Director of the National Bowhunter Education
Foundation. “Thank you to ATA and my friends in the industry for this honor. I work with
a wonderful network of people who share my dedication to our industries’ success.”

“ATA is pleased to recognize industry leaders like Marilyn Bentz for their ongoing efforts
to grow and support the industry,” said ATA President & CEO Jeff Poole. “Marilyn
represents the industry well while engaging new audiences as the NBEF Executive
Director.”

Bentz has led the National Bowhunter Education Foundation as Executive Director
since 2003. This global nonprofit is dedicated to bowhunter safety and education
through standardized curriculum. Previously, she served on the NBEF Board of
Directors from 1996 – 2003. Bentz also served on the Archery Hall of Fame Board of
Directors and as two-term board member of the Archery Trade Association. Continuing
to serve the bowhunting industry, Bentz was elected to the Tree Stand Safety
Awareness Foundation in 2025.

In recognition of her contributions to the archery and hunting community, Bentz has
received the prestigious Fred Bear Achievement Award. She received IHEA’s coveted
Gladney Davidson award in 2016 for making significant contributions to hunter
education. Bentz was inducted into the 2005 Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame in
2005.

Marilyn Bentz began her career in the outdoor industry through a professional
connection with renowned entrepreneur Chuck Saunders. She advanced through key
leadership roles in top archery and hunting companies, including National Sales
Manager and Director of Marketing at Saunders Archery, followed by senior positions
such as Director of Sales and Marketing and Vice President of National Sales at
McKenzie Targets, Knight & Hale/Code Blue–PRADCO, and Golden Eagle/Satellite
Archery/Bear Archery/North American Archery.

NBEF helps bowhunters learn to be safe, successful and stewards of the sport. NBEF
offers bowhunting instructional items, books, videos, 3-D models, apparel and more at
nbef.org.

About NBEF
The National Bowhunter Education Foundation offers instructional content and tools for
bowhunter education and hunter education. Helping bowhunters become safe and
successful hunters and stewards of the sport are important NBEF missions. NBEF
provides the bowhunter certification curriculum and class content that some states and
certain circumstances require to bow hunt. NBEF provides instructor training and
certification.

NBEF oversees the International Bowhunter Education Program and works with the
International Hunter Education Association and state agencies to coordinate a unified
program. States may have additional requirements. Europe and other countries offer full
reciprocity for the NBEF (IBEP) certification and conduct classes.

NBEF also oversees the International Crossbow Education Program and works with
state agencies responsible for crossbow education to develop comprehensive online
crossbow safety courses that teach students important laws and regulations, game
identification, and safe, responsible handling of crossbow equipment.

NBEF is a 501(c)3 corporation that isn’t a membership-based organization. Tax-
deductible donations to support this non-profit are welcome.
Learn more at nbef.org.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Kim Emery, Firefly Publicity, kim@fireflypublicity.com

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