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Science from Bucknell University. Throughout his career, he applied his knowledge of social equity and environmental justice to a number of leading organizations in the field, including the Environmental Defense Fund, the National Wildlife Federation, Detroiters Working for Environmental Justice, which he co-founded, and his firm, G.O. Williams & Associates. RTC remembers Williams for his impactful ideas, his strong sense of purpose, and his drive to turn thought leadership into action and positive outcomes. “Guy brought a very valuable perspective to our board,” said Keith Laughlin, who served as president of RTC from 2001 to 2019, and worked closely with Williams. “As the executive director of Detroiters Working for Environmental Justice, he understood how trails can improve the health of urban communities and the people who live there.” “He pushed me and the board to make sure everything we did—our financial management, our programming and how we talked about RTC—was done with authenticity and reflected
Rails to Trails Conservancy was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of our dear friend and colleague, Guy O. Williams (rtc.li/guy-williams), who passed away on July 29, 2025. A nationally respected leader in the environmental justice and trails and active transportation movements, Williams—who served as an RTC board member from 2002 to 2021 and board chair from 2013 to 2016—tirelessly endeavored, both in work and in life, to make communities better places to live and the outdoors accessible for all. He will be greatly missed. “Guy was one of those very special people who touched the lives of many,” affirmed Ryan Chao, president of RTC. “We’re so grateful for his long service on the Rails to Trails Conservancy board, and his legacy lives on in all the communities that are healthier from his life’s work.” He continued, “Our hearts go out to his family and very large community of friends that mourn his loss.” Williams grew up in Maryland and received a Bachelor of
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In Memory of Trails and Environmental Justice Advocate Guy O. Williams
By Amy Kapp
“Whatever his role at any given time, he always approached the work with passion, purpose, generosity and empathy.” — Kevin Mills, Vice President of Policy, Rails to Trails Conservancy
Rails to Trails MAGAZINE | FALL 2025
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