Bren Haase named New Program Director of Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program

The Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program (BTNEP) is pleased to announce that Bren Haase has been named the new director of BTNEP.

Bren joins BTNEP with over 30 years of experience in coastal wetlands ecology, restoration, and regulation in the private sector and with the state and federal government. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology from Auburn University and a Master’s degree in Oceanography and Coastal Sciences from Louisiana State University.

Most recently, Bren served as the Deputy Executive Director of the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA). Bren has held several leadership roles within the agency, including Chairman of the CPRA Board, Executive Director, and Division Chief of Planning and Research. Additionally, Bren oversaw the development and legislative approval of two of Louisiana’s Comprehensive Master Plans for a Sustainable Coast in 2017 and 2023, and six Annual Plans from 2019 to 2024.

Bren’s career has resulted in notable accomplishments including the construction of several of the largest and most innovative restoration and protection projects in the State’s and Nation’s history. He was recently named as one of Biz New Orleans Magazine’s 2023 Executives of the Year; received the 2017 Governor’s Award for Conservationist of the Year presented by the Louisiana Wildlife Federation and the National Wildlife Federation; and the 2011 Sue Hawes Memorial Coastal Stewardship Award presented by the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana.

“Bren Haase brings a tremendous track record of leadership and partnership-building experience to the BTNEP Director position. LUMCON is very excited to work with Bren and his outstanding staff to aid them in their mission of preserving and restoring the Barataria-Terrebonne estuarine system for future generations,” said LUMCON Executive Director and Chief Scientist, Dr. Brian Roberts.

Bren has a close connection to the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary (BTNE) not only professionally but personally. He was raised in southeast Louisiana and has spent countless hours fishing, boating, birding, and hunting there. He and his wife, Sarah, have raised two sons, Sam and Jake, who often share their time as a family enjoying those activities and the ecological and cultural richness of the BTNE.

Bren shared, “I am honored and humbled to be selected as the next director of the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program. BTNEP has well served the citizens of the region for over 30 years and I am excited to join the team, continue that good work, and build upon it. The Estuary is one of the most unique and culturally rich in the world, and I can think of no better endeavor than protecting and restoring its natural and cultural resources.”

The team at BTNEP looks forward to witnessing Bren’s continued commitment to our state and our estuary. Welcome to the team, Bren!