Gun Owners of California Appoints Rob Young Executive Director

Gun Owners of California Appoints Rob Young Executive Director, in Partnership with Gun Owners of America and Gun Owners Foundation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 19, 2025

Sacramento, CA - Gun Owners of California (GOC) is proud to announce the appointment of Rob Young as its new Executive Director. Young steps into the role following the passing of longtime leader and mentor Sam Paredes, who faithfully guided the organization for more than four decades.

For over 10 years, Rob Young has been deeply connected with GOC and its national affiliate, Gun Owners of America. He has testified in both Sacramento and Washington, D.C., worked countless GOC events and stood shoulder to shoulder with fellow advocates on the front lines to defend the Second Amendment.

Young's commitment to protecting freedom is rooted in both professional experience and personal history. In 1989, as a first grader at Cleveland Elementary School in Stockton, Rob was shot twice during one of the nation's first high-profile school shootings. That tragic day claimed the lives of five classmates and wounded dozens more, and it became a defining moment in California's push for sweeping gun bans. Rather than turning against the rights of law-abiding citizens, Rob has dedicated his life to ensuring Americans have the tools and freedoms to defend themselves and their families.

A retired police sergeant with nearly 20 years of service in Northern California, Rob has faced violent criminals firsthand, including an active-shooter incident where he and his partners neutralized the shooter. He has trained officers, civilians, and communities nationwide in active-shooter response, tactical medicine, and firearms proficiency. Through his media presence and brand, he continues to challenge the narrative that seeks to erode constitutional freedoms.

Tim Macy, Chairman of Gun Owners of America, issued the following statement:

"We are thrilled to welcome Rob Young to the GOA and GOC team. For more than a decade, Rob has testified before Congress and the California Legislature on our behalf. His unwavering, No Compromise defense of the Second Amendment reflects the very core of our values."

Erich Pratt, Senior Vice President of Gun Owners of America, added:

"Gun Owners of California is in excellent hands with Rob Young at the helm. Having known him for years, I can say with confidence that he is a steadfast, No Compromise defender of the Second Amendment-both in Sacramento and in Washington, D.C. His proven leadership will energize our movement and help safeguard the rights of California gun owners for generations to come."

In honor of Sam Paredes' legacy, Rob Young said:

"Gun Owners of California has been instrumental in shaping my foundation as a defender of the Second Amendment. Our beloved Sam Paredes was not only a mentor, but a personal inspiration to me. I am deeply honored and grateful to continue the work that he and GOA's founder Senator H.L. Richardson began almost 50 years ago. I look forward to continuing the meaningful work of GOC and GOA to safeguard the rights and freedoms of gun owners everywhere."

Gun Owners of California remains unwavering in its mission to defend the Second Amendment through legislation, litigation, and grassroots activism. Under Rob Young's leadership, the organization will honor Sam's memory by continuing the fight with renewed conviction and strength.

GOC and GOA employees are available for comment. GOC is the oldest pro-gun political action committee in the United States of America, having been at the forefront of the battle since assaults on the 2nd Amendment began. GOC functions as a 501(c)4 non-profit and operates exclusively from membership contributions and donations, utilizing funds to actively educate on issues and candidates. Employing a strong, three-pronged approach to beating back the assault on the Constitutionally protected right to keep and bear arms. More information can be found at gunownersca.com.