HARTFORD, CT (January 4, 2023) – The leader in FFL technology, payment processing, and compliance services, Orchid is proud to announce that former Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) senior executive, Andrew Graham, has joined Orchid’s team of regulatory subject matter experts. Graham will serve in the capacity of Chief Firearms & Explosives Officer and provide the industry with 37 years of ATF experience, most recently as the Deputy Assistant Director (DAD) of Enforcement Programs and Services (EPS).

“Andrew’s extensive regulatory experience and respected reputation precede him,” said Orchid CEO Jon Rydberg. “Long recognized for his balanced leadership, Andy has fulfilled his responsibilities to the country as an ATF executive while also seeking to improve firearm industry relations – a tough feat, to say the least. Amongst numerous changes in Administration and approach throughout Washington he’s maintained a sincere and high degree of integrity with an eye towards progress.”

“We’re honored to have Andy join our executive team,” added Attorney and Orchid VP of Regulatory Services Philip Milks. “Andy offers our clients and the industry a deep understanding of firearms regulation, inspections, revocations, and state gun laws, as well as ammunition and FEL explosives recordkeeping software applications. He will play a key role in assisting clients with complex inspection matters, firearm classifications, and strategic matters related to firearm industry mergers and acquisitions licensing and sunsetting. Of significant value will be Andy’s expertise of Firearm & Ammunition Excise Tax (FAET), an in-demand service with very few providers.”

Prior to joining the Department of Justice (DOJ), Andy was educated at George Mason University and subsequently became an executive graduate of Harvard University. He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force and both District of Columbia and Tennessee Air National Guards.

During his tenure with the ATF, Andy inspected and led tens of thousands of FFL firearm and FEL inspections as a field industry operations investigator (IOI). He held the Director of Industry Operations (DIO) leadership position in Denver for 10 years and acted DIO in multiple other field divisions. In early 2000, he began a four-year leadership position, responsible for establishing and training nationwide ATF field agents on FFL inspection processes. In his most recent ATF headquarter appointments as Deputy Assistant Director (DAD) of Enforcement Programs Services and DAD of Industry Operations, Andy was the primary senior executive to the Agency Director and DOJ on enforcement policy and operational guidance and had oversight of over 25 designated field divisions and 800 IOIs.

“I am excited to bring a unique perspective that bridges the gap between regulators and industry,” stated Graham. “For the last 37 years I’ve touched nearly every facet of regulatory policy, oversight and the application of laws and regulations through inspections. This experience has ranged from true boots on the ground activities conducting FFL and FEL inspections to serving as one of the top executives in the administration. This next chapter in my career will be focused on helping our country prosper economically while achieving low risk and responsible compliance.”

Industry members are encouraged to meet with Andrew Graham at Orchid’s ‘FFL Technology Center’ booth (#72633 in Caesars Forum) at the 2023 SHOT Show. Andy will be available to discuss matters non-confidential to the Agency and cover a range of topics, including ATF regulation, rulings, explosives and ammunition recordkeeping, and FAET. Andy is accepting advance SHOT Show appointments at orchidadvisors.com/shotshow. He can also be reached directly at agraham@joinorchid.com.

Further, Andy will also play a key role at the 2023 Firearms Industry Conference (FIC), co-hosted by Orchid and Williams Mullen’s Firearms Industry Group, and being held in Atlanta from May 1-3. Industry members can view the agenda and register at orchidadvisors.com/fic.

About Orchid LLC
Celebrating 10 years of serving the shooting sports industry, Orchid and partner firm, FFL Law, offer leading FFL software, firearms-friendly payment processing, and legal and regulatory services for the firearms, ammunition and explosives industries. Orchid’s POS, eCommerce, and regulatory applications, including Orchid eBound, Orchid FEL Book, and Orchid eState, accompany its expert services in ERP integration, firearms/explosives regulation, state gun laws and Firearm & Ammunition Excise Tax advisory. Learn how Orchid helps FFLs profitably manufacture, distribute and sell products with efficiency and compliance at orchidadvisors.com.

Press Contact:
Joe Kriz
Communications Manager, Orchid LLC
jkriz@joinorchid.com