Gov. Sanders names Chris Caldwell to Game & Fish Commission

Gov. Sarah Sanders announced Monday (July 8) that Chris Caldwell will serve as the newest Arkansas Game and Fish Commissioner. Caldwell’s seven-year term will last until 2031. He is replacing outgoing Commission Chairman Stan Jones.

John David “J.D.” Neeley will become the commission chairman.

“Chris is a great friend and trusted advisor. I know how much he loves Arkansas, how much he adores hunting and fishing and the Arkansas way of life, and how hard he will work every single day in this role,” said Sanders.

“Hunting and fishing have always been a big part of my life, and I’m proud to join the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and help provide the same opportunities I enjoyed to every kid and family in Arkansas,” said Caldwell. “I’m grateful that the Governor has selected me for this role and look forward to working with her and every Commissioner to help make Arkansas the best state in the nation to hunt, fish, live, and raise a family.”

Caldwell is a Saline County native who lives in Little Rock and leads Caldwell Consulting, a full-service lobbying, government relations, and political consulting firm. His firm provides political consulting services to Gov. Sanders.

He previously managed the governor’s election campaign and served as a Special Advisor to the Governor-elect’s transition team. During the Trump administration, Caldwell was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as the Federal co-chairman of the Delta Regional Authority.

He also served on the official staff of U.S. Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., and held senior leadership roles on several campaigns in Arkansas and around the country.