Ryan “Cal” Callaghan has been a passionate and influential voice in the outdoor community for decades. Raised in the American West, he built his life around guiding, hunting, fishing, and exploring wild landscapes—experiences that shaped his deep commitment to public lands, waters, and wildlife.

A longtime supporter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Callaghan previously served as chair of BHA’s North American Board and has played an active role as a volunteer and ambassador for the organization. He currently serves as vice president of conservation at MeatEater, where he has helped advance the company’s conservation leadership and broaden its impact across the outdoor community.

Callaghan will formally join BHA as president and CEO on January 1, 2026. In this new role, he brings a reputation as one of the most trusted advocates in the conservation space. His career spans years of guiding and seasonal field work, a central role in shaping First Lite’s founding conservation ethos as its first non-founder employee, and senior leadership within MeatEater’s growing ecosystem of conservation-minded brands.

Throughout his career, Cal has consistently championed values that sit at the heart of BHA’s mission: public access, habitat stewardship, fair chase, and a nonpartisan commitment to safeguarding the outdoor opportunities that define North America. He enters this next chapter focused on empowering BHA’s members and volunteers, expanding the organization’s reach, and strengthening partnerships that deliver tangible conservation results.

Callaghan’s lifelong connection to public lands—and his leadership across both grassroots and national platforms—position him to guide BHA into its next era with energy, integrity, and a united vision for the future of conservation.