Neal Thurman has been appointed as Vice President & General Manager at Callaway Resort & Gardens
As it prepares for a milestone 75th anniversary in 2027, Callaway Resort & Gardens is beginning a new chapter—one shaped by its deep roots in the rolling hills and natural landscapes of West Georgia's Pine Mountain region, and a bold vision for the future. Guiding this evolution is newly appointed Vice President & General Manager Neal Thurman, who, alongside 650 dedicated hosts, is stewarding a thoughtful brand refresh: Callaway is Calling, which includes new seasonal events and activations, themed experiences, menu items, and services.
Neal Thurman, a Georgia native and industry veteran with more than three decades of leadership in hospitality and attractions, joins Callaway Resort & Gardens from Dollywood Parks & Resorts, another storied Herschend destination. There, he served as Senior Vice President, helping steward transformative growth grounded in guest care and cultural authenticity.
Callaway is Calling is a brand refresh designed to align the full Resort experience around what Callaway does best—connecting guests to nature, relaxation, and meaningful time together. Developed through a year-long exploration that included input from longtime guests, first-time visitors, and the hosts who bring Callaway to life each day, the brand refresh reflects both enduring traditions and evolving guest expectations. It builds on the Resort's legacy of hospitality while bringing greater intention to the services and experiences that guests know and love. https://www.callawaygardens.com/Media
Starting now, guests can discover enhanced programming, immersive seasonal events and dining offerings, and thoughtful amenities, including property-wide touchpoints that will invite guests to pause, reflect, and engage with their surroundings, including photo-op stations, quiet places to take in the gardens, and curated itineraries to make the most of each visit.
Callaway is inviting guests to share what calls them back to Callaway. Share your story and follow along as Callaway is Calling unfolds at https://www.callawaygardens.com/the-gardens/about/callaway-is-calling-overview.