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The Hon. L. Preston Bryant Jr. '86 |
The Honorable L. Preston Bryant Jr. ’86, Secretary of Natural Resources for the Commonwealth of Virginia, has been appointed by President Obama as chair of the National Capital Planning Commission. The White House announced the appointment in a September 10, 2009 press release.
“I join the R-MC community in congratulating Secretary Bryant on this distinguished appointment,” said Randolph-Macon College President Robert R. Lindgren. “His vast experience with issues involving natural resources, coupled with his unflagging commitment to environmental sustainability, eminently qualify him to serve in this important role.”
The NCPC is the central planning agency for all federal lands and buildings in Washington, DC, suburban Maryland and Northern Virginia. The commission conducts environmental studies, oversees stewardships for historic buildings, conserves open space and parks, and plans all new buildings, memorials, museums and monuments on federal lands in the national capital area.
Bryant has served in the cabinet of Governor Timothy M. Kaine since 2006. As secretary, Bryant oversees all state environmental, historical and wildlife agencies. He also leads Kaine’s sustainability efforts and chaired the Governor’s year-long commission on climate change. Since 2007, Bryant has served as chairman of the Fort Monroe Federal Area Development Authority. From 1996-2006, he was an elected member of the Virginia House of Delegates, representing the City of Lynchburg and Amherst County.
Gov. Kaine lauded Bryant’s appointment in a press release, saying "Secretary Bryant's work in my administration and his private-sector experience make him an ideal choice to chair the commission. I’m sure he will bring the same dedication, creativity and hard work to this job that he has demonstrated while serving the people of Virginia."
As a state legislator, Bryant sponsored landmark legislation to protect more than one million acres of non-tidal wetlands, restructure the state’s stormwater management programs, and establish a nutrient credit-trading program to facilitate improvements to more than a hundred wastewater treatment plants. Bryant was also a manager and partner from 1996-2005 at Hurt & Proffitt, Inc., a Virginia-based civil engineering, surveying and planning firm.
“I am honored to accept the President’s appointment,” said Secretary Bryant. “The National Capital Planning Commission is uniquely positioned to enhance Washington’s standing as a sustainable, livable capital city. I look forward to guiding projects that will benefit the environment, advance green building design and protect the city’s treasured open space.”
Bryant graduated 1986 from Randolph-Macon College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. He earned his Master of Humanities degree at the University of Richmond in 1988 and his Master of Arts degree in Modern British Literature at the University of London in 1990.
Bryant has provided leadership to Randolph-Macon College as a member on the Board of Associates and delivered the commencement address to the Class of 2007. In November 2008, he was awarded the Society of Alumni’s Distinguished Alumnus Award at the R-MC “Macon Connections” event at The Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, Virginia. Bryant is also an ardent supporter of the college’s environmental studies program and has been known to don a pair of waders and work side-by-side with students and faculty in local area stream cleanup projects.
“Preston is one of Randolph-Macon’s finest,” said Lindgren, “and is a shining example of how a liberal arts education can prepare students for a lifetime of success. We are incredibly proud of the leadership he provides to so many and of all he has accomplished.”