Meet New USA Events Coordinator Chris Bellingham
The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance is excited to welcome new Events Coordinator, Chris Bellingham. Get to know Chris as he explains his passion for the outdoors, experience in the U.S. Army and more.
Q: Tell us about your background and how it led you to this role?
A: I started out as a combat medic in the U.S. Army, which gave me a strong foundation in leadership, discipline, and service. After the military, I earned my Master’s in Public Administration and began teaching and working with nonprofit organizations. I’m now a doctoral student focusing on resilience and environmental policy. My path has always revolved around service—first through healthcare, then education, and now through conservation. Joining the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance feels like a natural continuation of that journey, combining my love for the outdoors with my belief in the power of organized labor.
Q: Where are you from? What does your family look like?
A: I live in Deltona, Florida. I’ve got a young son who’s the center of my world. We’re often outside together—he’s already learning to kayak and hike with me. Our days are full of movement, messes, and moments that remind me why this work matters.
Q: How did you get interested in the outdoors?
A: The outdoors has always been a place of calm and clarity for me. Whether it was fishing with family, exploring the woods, or later using time in nature to decompress after stressful stretches, I’ve always been drawn to open spaces and wild places.
Q: When did you realize you wanted to work in conservation?
A: I started realizing it as I studied public policy and got more involved in land management issues. I saw how important conservation is—not just for recreation, but for the health of ecosystems, wildlife species, and future generations. That’s when it clicked that I wanted to be part of protecting and managing these spaces.
Q: What areas of conservation/wildlife/outdoors are you most passionate about?
A: I’m especially interested in the connection between land management and species protection. Making sure we’re taking care of the habitats that sustain our wildlife, and balancing that with access and use by the public, is a challenge I care deeply about. I’m also passionate about building outdoor culture that strengthens families and communities.
Q: How does the USA’s mission statement resonate with you?
A: The USA’s mission statement aligns perfectly with my values. It’s about more than conservation—it’s about ensuring that the people who build and sustain this country have access to the land and traditions that matter. That mix of pride, stewardship, and community speaks to me.
Q: What are you looking forward to most in your new role?
A: Getting out in the field, meeting members, and putting on events that bring people together. I’m excited to help grow the presence and impact of the USA in new regions and to contribute to the mission in a hands-on, visible way.
Q: Is there anything else members should know about you?
A: I’m here because I believe this work matters. I bring a mix of grit, policy knowledge, and real passion for the outdoors. Whether I’m leading an event or just out on a hike, I’m all in.
