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 50th 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.