In Memoriam: John E. Bryson (1943–2025)
John E. Bryson (elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2011) passed away peacefully at his home in San Marino, California, on May 13, 2025. He left behind his wife Louise (elected to the American Academy in 2010), four daughters, eight grandchildren, two sisters, and a consequential life of civic, governmental, business, and philanthropic leadership.
John’s life started in New York. Shortly thereafter his family moved to the Pacific Northwest, where John matured and advocated for anything Portland related. He received his undergraduate education at Stanford University and his law degree at Yale.
When John graduated from Yale in 1969, the admonition of President Kennedy still echoed: “My fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”
He and three classmates responded by going to Washington, D.C., renting a basement apartment, and founding the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC). The NRDC brings together scientists, lawyers, and academics to protect nature and address the challenges of climate change. To this day, it remains critical for the protection of our environment.
Several years later, John began his dedication to public service at the invitation of then California Governor Jerry Brown. He first led the California State Water Resources Control Board and then chaired the California Public Utilities Commission.
John believed in building bridges and working to reform systems from within. He pursued that vision by serving for almost twenty years as Chairman and CEO of Edison International, which was the parent to the largest investor-owned utility in Southern California and to several other energy-related businesses with a worldwide footprint. Under his leadership, Edison experienced a period of growth, innovation, and the challenge of accommodating a competitive and, at times, distorted California market for electricity. He did so with a strong emphasis on sustainability.
To cap his unique career, he accepted an invitation from President Barack Obama to be the United States Secretary of Commerce. He was later confirmed by the Senate as the 37th United States Secretary of Commerce. In that capacity, he initiated change among the diverse activities of the Commerce Department, including a fundamental broadening of the federal government’s role from promoting U.S. exports to attracting foreign direct investment. This work included the establishment of an annual presidential and cabinet-led summit with international business leaders to facilitate further investment in the United States. That program, SelectUSA, continues to this day.
Along the way, John served on numerous boards across public and private sectors, including the Council on Foreign Relations, Stanford University, California Institute of Technology, Pacific Council on International Policy, Polytechnic School (attended by his children), The Walt Disney Company, Boeing, and more. His philanthropy, carried out with his wife Louise, was as broad and consequential as the rest of his life, including his support to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Despite the demands of his career, John always made time for what mattered most to him, his family. He was known for scheduling business meetings near his daughters’ sporting events and timing them to accommodate school performances, never wanting to miss a chance to support them. As a devoted husband, he embraced Louise and their family life with the same dedication that he brought to every part of his life.
John had a lifelong love of sports, both as a passionate fan and as an enthusiastic participant. He often gathered with friends for rigorous tennis, basketball, skiing, and mountain climbing. These activities were often followed by relaxing with family, friends, and the music of his youth.
Ron Olson
Name Partner, Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP