JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Allison DeFoor, president and CEO of the North Florida Land Trust and a longtime champion of Florida conservation, died Tuesday following a brief illness, the organization announced.
DeFoor, a seventh-generation Floridian, devoted his life to public service, conservation and ministry. He was 72 at the time of his passing.
“It is now or never,” he often said, expressing his concern over Florida’s disappearing natural lands and his belief that people could act to protect them.
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He joined the land trust’s board in 2018 after years of environmental work in Florida. He served as Everglades czar under Gov. Jeb Bush on one of the state’s largest environmental restoration projects.
He also co-chaired Amendment 1, the Water and Land Conservation Initiative, with former Gov. and Sen. Bob Graham. The measure passed with 74% of the vote and is described as the most significant land protection effort in Florida history.
DeFoor became the land trust’s interim president in 2022 and took the job permanently in 2023.
His career also included stints as a law professor, prosecutor, public defender, judge and Monroe County sheriff. He held degrees in law, criminology, geography and theology.
The Episcopal Diocese of Florida said he gave more than a decade of service to the diocese, including a commitment to prison ministry and nearly eight years as Canon to the Ordinary.
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Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan said the city “has lost a remarkable public servant and a true son of Florida.”
“Allison DeFoor shined in roles ranging from prosecutor to priest to a leader in conservation,” Deegan said. “Throughout his remarkable life he was always guided by a deep love for this state and its people.”
The land trust said that “his legacy will continue to inspire our work.” Memorial arrangements have not been announced.
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