Callaway Resort & Gardens Names David Ryan as Vice President and General Manager

PINE MOUNTAIN, GA — Callaway Resort & Gardens is pleased to announce the appointment of David Ryan as Vice President and General Manager, effective April 14, 2025. In this role, Ryan will oversee all aspects of resort operations and report directly to senior leadership.

A seasoned hospitality executive, Ryan brings a wealth of experience in resort management and customer service excellence. Most recently, he served as General Manager at Margaritaville Beach Resort in South Padre Island, Texas. His extensive career includes leadership roles at esteemed properties including Sofitel, Ritz-Carlton, Meritage, Radisson Blu, The Little Nell, and Pier House.

Ryan has worked both domestically and internationally, with a strong track record of managing residential communities within resort operations and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Michigan State University.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ryan has contributed to various tourism and charitable boards while living and working in locations such as Dallas, Napa, Honolulu, New York City, Singapore, Half Moon Bay, Bachelor Gulch, and Fiji.

“We are excited to welcome David to the Herschend family,” said Bill Doyle, Senior Vice President, Resorts & Lodging. “David’s extensive background in resort and residential community leadership, along with his commitment to exceptional guest service, make him an outstanding fit for Callaway Resort & Gardens. We look forward to the continued growth and success of this iconic property under his guidance.”

Callaway Resort & Gardens is part of Herschend, the nation’s largest family-owned, entertainment brands company, dedicated to creating joyful experiences and memories worth repeating®.

About Callaway Resort & Gardens:

Located in Pine Mountain, Georgia, Callaway Resort & Gardens spans 2,500 acres of natural beauty, offering a timeless escape for guests. Established in 1952 by Cason and Virginia Callaway, this cherished destination features stunning gardens, which are home to world-famous azaleas and a tropical Butterfly Center, alongside a variety of year-round activities like biking, hiking, ziplining, golf, and the Birds of Prey show. Guests can unwind at the AAA Four Diamond-rated Lodge or relax in family-friendly Cottages and Villas equipped with kitchens, fireplaces, and screened patios. With a lakeside beach, luxury spa, and a legacy of creating lasting memories, Callaway Resort & Gardens is now enhanced by Herschend’s family-focused vision and remains a premier Southern retreat. Learn more at www.callawaygardens.com.

About Herschend

Callaway Resort & Gardens is part of Herschend’s collection of wholesome family brands. Herschend, the world’s largest family-owned themed attractions company, has been Bringing Families Closer Together by Creating Memories Worth Repeating® for 75 years. Its 12,000+ passionate employees (hosts) collectively entertain 15 million families every year across North America, including at iconic award-winning destinations such as Dollywood® Parks & Resorts, Silver Dollar City® Parks & Resorts, Adventure Aquarium®, Callaway Resort & Gardens®, Kentucky Kingdom Theme & Water Park®, Newport Aquarium®, The Vancouver Aquarium® and Wild Adventures®. In addition to its premier themed attractions, Herschend is proud to steward the World-Famous Harlem Globetrotters® legacy and provide immersive content and experiences through our Herschend Entertainment Studios® and Pink Adventure Tours® brands. Learn more at www.herschendenterprises.com.