William Bryant Milam, a distinguished American diplomat whose career spanned over three decades, passed away on February 18, 2026, at the age of 89 in Sacramento, California. Born on July 24, 1936, Milam dedicated his life to public service, representing the United States in critical roles across the globe. His diplomatic efforts were instrumental in fostering democracy and stability in various nations during pivotal historical moments.

Milam embarked on his foreign service journey in 1962, quickly rising through the ranks due to his keen intellect and unwavering commitment. He served as the U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh from 1990 to 1993, where he supported the country's transition towards a more complete democracy. His tenure in Liberia as U.S. Chief of Mission from 1995 to 1998 was particularly notable, as he helped guide the nation through the conclusion of its seven-year civil war, culminating in free and transparent elections.

His extensive experience also included serving as the U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan from 1998 to 2001, navigating complex regional dynamics. Even after his official retirement in 2001, Ambassador Milam was recalled to service following the September 11 attacks, contributing to the establishment of the multilateral mechanism for Afghanistan's reconstruction. He also served as interim Chargé d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Tripoli, Libya, demonstrating his continued dedication to American diplomacy.

Beyond his ambassadorial roles, Milam held significant positions such as U.S. Special Negotiator for Environmental and Scientific Affairs, where he led the delegation that negotiated the 1994 Desertification Treaty. He was also a Senior Policy Scholar at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, contributing his vast knowledge to foreign policy discourse. William B. Milam's legacy is marked by his profound impact on international relations and his steadfast pursuit of peace and democratic governance.