FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 21, 2015
ROOKERY BAY RESERVE
DIRECTOR NAMED CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
~Gary
Lytton honored at East Naples Civic Association annual banquet~
 Pictured from left to right: Chris Hagan, past president of East Naples Civic Association; Gary
Lytton, citizen of the year; and Marci
Seamples, president East Naples Civic Association.
NAPLES – Gary Lytton,
director for Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, was named "Citizen
of the Year" by the East Naples Civic Association at their annual banquet on
Jan. 19. The award is given annually to a citizen that has provided a long
history of service to the East Naples community.
“Rookery Bay
Reserve is the jewel of East Naples and has been a great asset to the entire
community,” said Chris Hagan, past president of the association. “During
Gary’s tenure it has flourished. His dedication and hard work in
environmental education has been exceptional.”
Lytton, with
degrees in biology and marine science, joined the reserve staff as education
coordinator in 1986, and assumed the role of reserve manager in 1990. His
current responsibilities also include serving as the state’s regional administrator for aquatic preserves in Southwest Florida, supervising field
offices and staff in Tampa Bay, Charlotte Harbor and Estero Bay.
“Gary’s leadership has been a driving force for our agency and
the entire state,” said Kevin Claridge, director of DEP’s Florida Coastal Office, the state agency that manages
the reserve. “His innovative ideas and vision
continually bolster our efforts to protect coastal resources.”
“I’m grateful for this
recognition by our local community, and share it with our team at Rookery Bay," said Lytton. "I’ve never worked with a more dedicated and passionate team of professionals.”
The East Naples
Civic Association was incorporated in 1950 with the purpose of helping
neighbors and residents in the community by promoting smart development, beautification and general
welfare. For more information, click here.
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