Ecosystem and
Coastal Management

Mission Statement

To aid in the management and restoration of Jefferson Parish’s coastal resources through coordination with local, state, federal governments, and Non-governmental organization entities by reviewing proposed development; advocating for project funding; and educating stakeholders about regional ecosystem issues.

Michelle Gonzales, Director

Jason Smith

Coastal Resources Manager

David Illgen

Coastal Resources Specialist

Bernadette Weber

Executive Assistant

Kimberly Thibodeaux

Typist Clerk III

Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng is highlighting different departments in parish government that are taking it to the "Next Level" by trying to come up with new and innovative ways to make local government operate more efficiently and to respond to constituent needs more rapidly. In the fourth installment of the series, Parish President Lee Sheng introduces you to two departments with similar missions. The Ecosystem & Coastal Management Department and the Floodplain Management & Hazard Mitigation Department and their respective directors Michelle Gonzales and Maggie Talley are involved in coastal restoration and mitigation projects designed to reduce the risk of flooding.