Safari Club International (SCI) is pleased to announce the appointment of John C. Daetwyler, J.D., as General Counsel, where he will provide strategic legal counsel and executive leadership in support of SCI's mission to protect the freedom to hunt and promote wildlife conservation worldwide. John resides in San Antonio, TX and will be based in SCI's San Antonio business office.
Daetwyler brings over 20 years of experience in legal affairs, governance, regulatory compliance, and executive leadership across the nonprofit, corporate, and real estate sectors. Throughout his career, he has advised executive teams and boards of directors while helping organizations navigate complex legal and regulatory challenges.
"John's extensive legal background, strategic mindset, and commitment to principled leadership make him an outstanding addition to the SCI executive team," said W. Laird Hamberlin, Chief Executive Officer of Safari Club International. "As SCI continues to expand its leadership role in advocacy, conservation, and protecting hunters' freedoms around the world, John's experience in governance, compliance, and legal strategy will help strengthen the organization and advance our mission for generations to come."
Prior to joining SCI, Daetwyler served as Managing Member and Senior Attorney at Daetwyler Law, PLLC, where he advised businesses, nonprofit organizations, and investors on governance, compliance, asset protection, and complex transactions. Earlier, as General Counsel and Chief Operating Officer for a national nonprofit organization, he led nationwide compliance programs, advised executive leadership and boards, managed regulatory relationships across all 50 states and Puerto Rico, and guided organizations through significant operational and legal challenges.
A lifelong outdoorsman, Daetwyler's passion for hunting and conservation closely aligns with SCI's mission. After living in Anchorage, Alaska, he developed a deep appreciation for wild places and the outdoor lifestyle. An avid wing shooter, he has hunted doves in Argentina and pheasants across South Dakota, experiences that further strengthened his commitment to the sporting traditions and conservation ethic SCI champions. Outside of his professional accomplishments, Daetwyler is married and the proud father of three children, two daughters and one son.
"I am honored to join Safari Club International and contribute to an organization whose mission is deeply personal to me," said Daetwyler. "I look forward to working alongside SCI's leadership, members, and chapters to protect our hunting heritage, strengthen the organization's legal foundation, and advance its mission for future generations."
Daetwyler earned his Juris Doctor from The University of Texas School of Law and graduated cum laude from Trinity University with degrees in Psychology and Philosophy. As General Counsel, he will oversee legal affairs for SCI, including governance, litigation management, contracts, compliance, and organizational risk.