Sanders announces Chris Caldwell as Arkansas’ new Game and Fisheries Commissioner

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced today that Chris Caldwell will serve as the new Arkansas Game and Fisheries Commissioner. Caldwell’s seven-year term will run through 2031. He replaces outgoing Commission Chairman Stan Jones, and John David “JD” Neeley will become Commission Chairman.

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

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

A native of Saline County, Caldwell lives in Little Rock and runs Caldwell Consulting, a full-service lobbying, government relations and political consulting firm. He previously ran the Sarah for Governor campaign and served as special counsel to the governor-elect’s transition team. During the Trump administration, Caldwell was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate as federal chairman of the Delta Regional Authority. He also served on Senator John Boozman’s official staff and held senior positions on several campaigns in Arkansas and across the country.

Caldwell is a graduate of the University of Arkansas. He and his wife Ashley have two children, Harley and Amelia.