BHA taps Ryan "Cal" Callahan as new President/CEO of BHA

[Elktrack]

I think he could do well. He definitely understands the issues that BHA is involved with. I see this as him putting his money where his mouth is kinda thing. He’s been a very vocal and involved guy.
As far as keeping other jobs, makes sense, would probably be a pay cut if he didn’t. The conflict of interests that might arise will have to be addressed but I think it could handled easily.

How is it possible that BHA was unable to find somebody with executive experience in the conservation/hunting world?

Maybe not having another executive experienced guy is what’s needed? Think about career politicians….
Get some fresh blood and perspective in there.

 

[MTLabrador]

Listening to Cal’s stances on the roadless rule, ambler road and the 100 mile border buffer lately has painted Cal as more of a middle of the road guy to me. He had some statements in his podcasts that suggested to me he wasn’t all or none, but perhaps case by case. Maybe BHA is realizing they are stepping very left foot forward and need to get back in stride?

I was thinking the same thing, and it’s smart of them if so.

 

[birdseye]

If I was on some BHA steering committee, Buzz would've been on the short list. Ya, I know, Buzz has his share of anti-fanboys that succumb to their intimidation of him but the dude gets shit done.

 

[Gellar]

I think he could do well. He definitely understands the issues that BHA is involved with. I see this as him putting his money where his mouth is kinda thing. He’s been a very vocal and involved guy.
As far as keeping other jobs, makes sense, would probably be a pay cut if he didn’t. The conflict of interests that might arise will have to be addressed but I think it could handled easily.

Maybe not having another executive experienced guy is what’s needed? Think about career politicians….
Get some fresh blood and perspective in there.

He was already on the national board. I'm guessing it's more about shaking hands and kissing babies than being able to do day-to-day things.

 

[Elktrack]

He was already on the national board. I'm guessing it's more about shaking hands and kissing babies than being able to do day-to-day things.

Probably right. Could be a wise plan.
If it helps gain attention for important issues and bring more support and people into the fold then I see it as a good thing.
Like it or not Meateater has a significant influence in this space and has the potential to bring BHA into a broader range and potentially get more top of mind awareness with a lot of people.

I just don’t see how it can hurt

 

[Wind Gypsy]

I like it. Tawney at the helm made it harder for me to stand behind BHA. Cal has always seemed to have a pretty reasonable and balanced take on things to me. No idea what running a NP involves but he was chair of the board already so its not like he's completely blind. Not sure how much influence he has on stances but I think hes a great pick for leading where BHA should stand on issues.

 

[Forkyfinder]

Being an influencer, Meateater’s Director of Conservation and a BHA board member doesn’t prepare one for the demands of running a nonprofit.

Who cares?

Just being honest - dont really think anything does. And id argue his experience is more applicable than the goodwill ceo or similar non profit thats unrelated to hunting. Theres not an endless talent pool of people that understand hunting. Much less people with experience in media and good recognition.

 

[Saranac84]

Who cares?

Just being honest - dont really think anything does. And id argue his experience is more applicable than the goodwill ceo or similar non profit thats unrelated to hunting. Theres not an endless talent pool of people that understand hunting. Much less people with experience in media and good recognition.

Did I say they should hire the CEO of Goodwill?

Sitting on a board, even as president/chair is a very different role than being an Executive Director. I wish Cal luck but there’s far more to running a nonprofit than “development” and getting the rank and file excited.

 

[BuzzH]

Did I say they should hire the CEO of Goodwill?

Sitting on a board, even as president/chair is a very different role than being an Executive Director. I wish Cal luck but there’s far more to running a nonprofit than “development” and getting the rank and file excited.

Don't totally disagree, but I think Cal has a lot more qualifications and connections than you're giving him credit for.

 

[Oak]

Don't totally disagree, but I think Cal has a lot more qualifications and connections than you're giving him credit for.

I agree. Who he is is less important than who he can be. I bet he will do just fine in the position.

 

[WyoCoalMiner]

If I was on some BHA steering committee, Buzz would've been on the short list. Ya, I know, Buzz has his share of anti-fanboys that succumb to their intimidation of him but the dude gets shit done.

This! Very much this

 

[cgasner1]

I like the guy he is willing to listen to people. Point and case he took time to have us on his podcast to talk about mule deer hunting in Montana. Seems silly you guys would wish ill on someone running an organization like this. I wish him all the best we got corners that need crossed.

 

[Irrelevant]

This! Very much this

I like Buzz a lot. And I think he's done a ton for conservation. More than just about anyone else I know with a day job. But if you thought Land pissed people off...

 

[WyoCoalMiner]

I like Buzz a lot. And I think he's done a ton for conservation. More than just about anyone else I know with a day job. But if you thought Land pissed people off...

Very true. But don’t underestimate @BuzzH. I’ve seen him in action with decision makers. He is aware of his audience. Pissed off might just be what is needed.

 

[Southern Elk]

This sounds to me like he will be at MeatEater at a limited capacity. The things that he’s doing with meateater will only bring more attention to BHA. I really like seeing him in this role.

 

[NoWiser]

BHA needs a face that hunters can trust. I think Cal provides that face. As long as there’s good staff behind him to help him steer the ship, I think this is a good move.

 

[Irrelevant]

Very true. But don’t underestimate @BuzzH. I’ve seen him in action with decision makers. He is aware of his audience. Pissed off might just be what is needed.

With decision makers sure, but just reading through this thread, and the many that have preceded it over the years, I was/am shocked by how many people were turned off by Land. And the only thing it seems they point to is his personal politics, which align, as best I can tell, with Buzz.

 

[birdseye]

Very true. But don’t underestimate @BuzzH. I’ve seen him in action with decision makers. He is aware of his audience. Pissed off might just be what is needed.

Wait! Even before this Cal dude has been crowned, are we going to stage a coup and put Buzz in? Jus' messin'

 

[Catskill.Joe]

Congrats to Cal. Great guy

 

[BuzzH]

With decision makers sure, but just reading through this thread, and the many that have preceded it over the years, I was/am shocked by how many people were turned off by Land. And the only thing it seems they point to is his personal politics, which align, as best I can tell, with Buzz.

Couple things:

1. This is an exercise in ridiculous, I wouldn't put my name in the hat. I know how and where I'm most effective. Leading an NGO is not it. I suck at fund raising have very little patience for stupid, etc.

2. I don't put politics ahead of hunting and conservation. A dumb idea is a dumb idea no matter the side of the aisle it comes from. Further, neither party is even close to aligning or giving a shit about sportsmen, conservation, or wildlife. There ARE individuals, both R and D that absolutely seem to care, but that's a far, far cry from party support. Which, to me, has always seemed strange that one party or the other, or even both, don't do more to court the outdoor recreation crowd. So, really, what my "politics" are is irrelevant in regard to how I advocate for wildlife, habitat, public lands, etc. I'll oppose anyone that has stupid ideas, and also support anyone that wants to do good by sportsmen, wildlife, habitat, etc. People that try to connect anyone's personal politics with how they advocate for wildlife, public lands, etc. is pretty shallow, and frankly, they need to grow up. The country and politics are a 50/50 deal, get over it. You're going to have to work with both sides, like it or lump it.

Finally, I do find it quite humorous that @WyoCoalMiner and @birdseye think I would be a good fit for that job. I don't think so, but I do appreciate the vote of confidence. I think Cal is a wayyyy better person for that job and I wrote a letter of recommendation for another individual for the job. Someone I've butted heads with and also done some great work with, I like someone that isn't afraid to back down and also someone that has passion. I think that person would have been an excellent fit as well.