DENR Secretaries

DENR was created in 1976 as part of the executive branch of state government. In 1977, William C. Huls was the first to serve as a Cabinet Secretary to the Governor for the La. Department of Energy and Natural Resources.

Not shown in this photo gallery is DENR Acting Secretary Martha Swan, who served a short term from September 1991 to January 1992.

As of this time, the longest-serving Secretary of the Department Scott A. Angelle served two administrations. He also briefly served as Interim Lt. Governor in 2010.

In 2010, DENR Undersecretary Robert Harper served as Secretary. Over twenty years and four administrations, Harper's tenure as Undersecretary and his fiscal leadership has been continuous.  

Secretary Tyler Patrick Gray

January 2024 - Present

Secretary Thomas Harris

January 2016 - January 2024

Stephen Chustz

August 2012 - January 2016

Scott A. Angelle

January 2004 - August 2012

Robert D. Harper

June 2010 - November 2010

Jack C. Caldwell

January 1996 - January 2004

John F. Ales 

June 1992 - August 1994

Jack McClanahan

January 1992 - June 1992
September 1994 - January 1996

Ronald J. Gomez 

January 1990 - September 1991

Dr. Raymond Stephens, Jr.

March 1988 - January 1990

B. Jim Porter

November 1984 - March 1988

Frank P. Simoneaux

March 1982 - March 1984

Frank A. Ashby

March 1980 - March 1982

William C. Huls

July 1977 - March 1980
March 1984 - November 1984