Ryan Callaghan

Ryan Callaghan graduated from Iowa State with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 1995 and a master’s in 1996. He has over 30 years of experience in engineering and construction, achieving professional engineering licenses in 11 states.

Callaghan established Civil Engineers & Constructors, LLC (CEC), an engineering and surveying design firm in 2007. Seven years later, he founded RP Constructors, LLC (RP), a full-service surveying, engineering and construction company emphasizing heavy civil and industrial construction for government and private entities. The firm and construction company work in tandem, completing projects throughout the Midwest. In recent years, RP/CEC has completed significant design/construction work in the Southeast and South US as well after being asked by existing clients to travel. Growing his companies from a team of two to nearly 100, Callaghan leads multiple licensed engineers, surveyors, CADD technicians and other teammates, many of whom are Cyclones.

In 2020 Callaghan was appointed as a Board Member for the South Dakota Board of Technical Professions by South Dakota Governor Noem. He helps write and set exam specifications for the Principles and Practice of Engineering licensure exam(s) (PE Exams) for the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying, where he serves as the Central Zone Assistant Vice President. Callaghan is one of few civil engineers in the country obtaining the distinguished honor of board member for NCEES and the State of South Dakota, demonstrating his emphasis on higher education and licensure.

Callaghan took another step in expanding his business capabilities by starting another sister company with a fellow ISU Alum Major General (Ret.) Allen Batschelet, BACARA, LLC, specializing in drone lidar and photogrammetric surveys. His trifecta of design, build and aerial imaging supplies a comprehensive approach to major projects, saving clients millions.

Since beginning as a Cyclone, Callaghan has supported CCEE alumni and students. His support is seen through advancing the industry through the assessment and definition of licensure standards, his companies hiring interns and alumni, sponsorships for student organizations and joining the Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering External Advisory Council in 2024. Two of his children are also Cyclone grads, Natalie Callaghan (accounting BS 2022, MAA 2023) and Sean Callaghan (civil engineering BS 2023), continuing the Iowa State tradition in their family.