TWRA Retired Director Gary Myers Receives NASBLA Bonner Award

NASHVILLE --- The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) has announced that Gary Myers, the recently retired executive director of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, is the recipient of its prestigious Bonner Award.

 

The announcement for the latest honor for Myers came at the 50^th annual meeting of the NASBLA held in Corpus Christi, Texas. Presented since 1971, the Bonner Award is presented to a state or federal boating official who exemplifies the leadership qualities displayed by former Congressman Herbert C. Bonner of North Carolina, author of the Bonner Act (better known as the Federal Boating Safety Act of 1958). The award has been presented to numerous United States Senators and Congressmen, state boating law administrators and Coast Guard personnel over the years.

 

Gary Myers, one of the longest serving leaders of a state conservation agency in United States history, began his career with TWRA in 1974, following 11 years with the Colorado Game and Fish Department. During his tenure as Tennessee’s boating law administrator, he served a term as NASBLA’s president. He was named as TWRA Executive Director in 1978. Myers is widely recognized by his peers and conservation organizations throughout the country. The NASBLA Bonner Award is the latest of the numerous honors he has received for his acclaimed career.

 

A staunch supporter of NASBLA throughout his career, Myers has been regarded as a longtime friend and trusted advisor who helped NASBLA and individual states get through some very tough times over the years. Both his leadership and support have played key roles in helping NASBLA become the highly effective and well-respected organization it is today.

 

The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators is a national nonprofit organization that works to develop public policy for recreational boating safety. NASBLA represents the recreational boating authorities of all 50 states and the U.S. territories. NASBLA offers a variety of resources, including training, model acts, education standards and publications. Through a national network of thousands of professional educators, law enforcement officers and volunteers, the organization affects the lives of over 83.6 million American boaters. The NASBLA is headquartered in Lexington, Ky. More information about NASBLA can be obtained at the organization’s Web site, www.nasbla.org.

---TWRA---