TWRA Executive Director Gary Myers Announces Retirement, Effective March 1, 2009

NASHVILLE - Gary Myers, one of the longest serving leaders of a state conservation agency in United States history, has announced his retirement as the Executive Director of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, effective March 1, 2009. Myers' announcement came during the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Commission meeting in Kingsport on Wednesday (Oct. 22).

Myers, 73, has been associated with the TWRA since 1974 when he came to Tennessee following 11 years with the Colorado Game and Fish Department. He served as TWRA Assistant Director of Field Operations.

He was named as TWRA Executive Director in 1978 and celebrated his 30th anniversary in the position this year. Widely recognized by his peers and conservation organizations throughout the country, Myers has received numerous honors during his acclaimed career.

Among Myers’ most recent awards was receiving the George Bird Grinnell Memorial Award for Distinguished Service to Natural Resource Conservation. The Grinnell Award salutes a person whose career in conservation has been exemplified by integrity, leadership, foresight and achievement. This past summer, Myers was named the Tennessee Outdoors Sportsman of the Year which was presented during the annual Legends of The Outdoors National Hall of Fame Banquet.

Myers is credited with leading the TWRA through a critical period in its history. He has also served on many national fish, wildlife, and boating committees during his tenure.

The TWRC will conduct a search to find a replacement as TWRA Executive Director.