Statement from Jeff Trandahl, Executive Director and CEO of NFWF, on the death of former Board Chairwoman Magalen O. “Maggie” Bryant

Magalen “Maggie” Bryant served as chairwoman of the Board of Directors for the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) from 1994 to 2000. She provided essential leadership in the early growth of the Foundation, and we would not be who we are today without her vision and her lifelong commitment to conservation. 

Maggie cared deeply about preserving our Nation’s natural heritage, and she was especially passionate about engaging private landowners in conserving our shared legacy and ensuring the best use of natural resources. This was especially true of her efforts to restore and protect two places she truly loved—Virginia’s Piedmont region and the Lower Mississippi River Valley. In addition to supporting important conservation initiatives in Virginia and Mississippi, Maggie devoted incredible care and stewardship on her own properties in those two states, and she shared that devotion with so many who had the opportunity to visit and to learn from her work. Alongside her work in the United States, Maggie was equally passionate about securing long-term protection for Africa’s diverse and majestic wildlife, recognizing the unique economic and cultural benefits that wildlife provides for people and the local communities that share the land.

NFWF was so fortunate to have been a significant part of Maggie’s life. She will be deeply missed by all who care about protecting wildlife, whether close to home or overseas. I and everyone at the Foundation wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and to the many, many friends she leaves behind.