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).

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.

Myers, in his early 70s, "is the longest serving state wildlife director in the country, and helped shape national wildlife policy during his tenure," said Mike Butler, executive director of the Tennessee Wildlife Federation.  Myers served under several governors and navigated the sometimes-rocky shoals of state government with a quiet demeanor that was seen by many as an asset to the job.  "He's not political," said Butler. "He's a natural resource professional."

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.

The TWRC will conduct a search to find a replacement as TWRA Executive Director.  To read more on Director Myers retirement, click here for an article from the Tennessean.