Office of the Secretary

DNR Secretary announces new deputy secretary

State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary Scott Angelle has announced the appointment of Lori E. LeBlanc as the department's new Deputy Secretary.

Lori E. LeBlanc, of Houma, replaces Randy Hanchey, who retired late last year from the agency.  According to Secretary Angelle, with Ms. LeBlanc’s coastal and energy infrastructure background, she is very well-suited for working on all department matters. "I am pleased to welcome aboard someone with her talent and leadership abilities," he noted.

LeBlanc previously served as Executive Director and 2007 Board President of Restore or Retreat, Inc., a coastal advocacy group located in Thibodaux. She has spent over sixteen years working in corporate settings, has excelled at public and motivational speaking with a California-based company, and has worked as an independent consultant for business, nonprofit and government entities. LeBlanc received a B.S. in Environmental Science from Auburn University and a Master’s Degree from LSU.

"This department has some real top-performers and together, we want to see Louisiana achieve higher standards than ever before on environmental, conservation and energy related issues," Angelle said.

DNR was established under the executive branch of government in 1976, and its major offices are the Office of the Secretary, Office of Conservation, Office of Mineral Resources, and Office of Coastal Restoration and Management.