Orgeron Takes the Reins of Restore or Retreat
Restore or Retreat is eager to introduce its next Executive Director, Lafourche native Joseph Orgeron of Golden Meadow.
Already a passionate advocate for his community and the coast prior to this appointment, Orgeron is looking forward to taking the reins of the regional advocacy organization created by landowners, port commissioners, parish officials, conservationists, levee experts, business owners and bayou residents over 22 years ago. Orgeron previously served on the Restore or Retreat Board of Directors, so he was familiar with the organization’s history and long-standing mission of implementing large scale coastal restoration solutions for our irreplaceable region.
JoeO at Elmer’s Island Beach CleanUp April 26, 2021
“I am grateful for the unique opportunity to serve as Executive Director of this great organization that we all have come to love and support over the years,” said Orgeron. “I pledge to work diligently toward the mission of our advocacy organization and those related efforts to improve our beloved coastal environment– our home– for generations to come.”
“When I think about all of the challenges we face as a coastal community as we recover from devastating hurricanes like Hurricane Ida and look ahead to a constantly changing landscape, we are confident Joe’s knowledge, passion and focus as Executive Director of Restore or Retreat will benefit not just Restore or Retreat but our entire Bayou Region,” said Chett Chiasson of the ROR Board of Directors.
CPRA Board Chairman, Chip Kline praised the hire, “It’s people like Joe Orgeron that keep the state of Louisiana in the fight to restore and protect our coast. His passion for our coast is undeniable, and he fully understands how critical the Bayou Region is to the overall economic health of our state and the Gulf Coast. On behalf of all the men and women of CPRA we are excited to work with Joe Orgeron in this new role.”
Orgeron graduated from South Lafourche High School, and earned his bachelor’s degree from Nicholls State University. He continued his education with a master’s degree and doctorate in physics from the University of Texas at Dallas. Working abroad for a global company and back home with his family-owned business has resulted in a wide range of expertise and experience that Orgeron brings to the organization. Currently, he is a public servant for Louisiana House District 54 serving Lafourche and Grand Isle. He is also as an adjunct professor in maritime management at Nicholls.
“Working in this capacity is my new, clear as well as complimentary vocation to performing my elected civic duty as State Representative, which is a part time job. Needless to say, I am genuinely excited about this opportunity and look forward to meeting with our community and our partners in the upcoming months to talk more about the mission ahead to save our coast, community and culture.”
