A focus on work that inspires positive change for our communities.
Leah Bagdon McCallum, Principal/Owner of Blue Orange, is an energetic leader with a track record of moving community projects forward.
Blue Orange is a place-based consulting shop, catering to the people, projects and places that see bright orange sunsets over the blue water of the Great Lakes.
Since 2019, Leah has had the honor of working with the Great Lakes Fishery Commission to advance FishPass - the capstone of a 20+ year restoration project on the Boardman/Ottaway River.
Leah was a part of the design team that reimagined Traverse City’s Downtown Riverfront – an innovative and accessible plan to engage with the urban homestretch of the Boardman/Ottaway where it meets Grand Traverse Bay. She also supported the team leading the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center.
Prior to launching Blue Orange, Leah worked with Goodwill, Rotary Charities, the Detroit Zoo, and Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. She also served as a State Director with Senator Gary C. Peters, representing him in the 26 counties in Northern Lower Michigan.
Giving Back
In her volunteer capacity, Leah has lent her expertise to the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum, Interlochen Public Radio, Michigan State University College of Agriculture, Biology, and Natural Resource, and the Traverse City Downtown Development Authority.
Our Values
Community Impact
We pursue work that creates positive change for businesses, the community as a whole, or our environment. Our dedication extends beyond getting a job done; we want to improve conditions in our local Traverse City and beyond.
Adaptability
Our work is shaped around our clients’ need, not the other way around. We make sure that our approach always aligns with their goals. We allow for flexibility to create meaningful solutions to any client problems they may face.
Stewardship
We care deeply about Michigan and the Great Lakes region. We make sure that our work contributes to sustainability, preservation and economic growth, while respecting and uplifting the area.
Purpose-Driven Work
We are intentional about the projects that we take on, and make sure that each project aligns with our core belief of making an impact.