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Michael Orr
Operations Coordinator
Michael is the youngest of the multi generational family behind LEAN's work. While he grew up around the work of LEAN and his mother Marylee, Michael has spent the majority of his career in the restaurant industry. With a deep love for the wilds of Louisiana and extensive experience in business management, he has been a welcomed addition to the full-time staff.
Paul Orr
Lower Mississippi Riverkeeper/Communications Director
Paul earned his Mass Communications degree from Louisiana State University. He worked for LEAN as a communications intern during college and has directed LEAN’s communications efforts since 2003. Paul maintains LEAN’s membership and media databases. While documenting LEAN’s work, Paul has created a photo journal of south Louisiana’s environmental journey.
Marylee Orr
Executive Director
Marylee Orr has led LEAN for most of its twenty five years. Marylee didn't intend to work for the environment. In fact, her background was quite eclectic: she worked with Head Start, working in real estate, and later owned an art gallery. Her life changed when her son was born with a respiratory illness that makes it incredibly hard for him to breathe. Marylee found inspiration in her son, and wanted to help people who were less prepared to advocate for themselves and the environment around them.
Before LEAN was founded in 1986, polluters ran roughshod over Louisiana's unique environment and way of life. By providing clear information about pollution and organizing groups into a statewide network, LEAN changed the balance of power. Lean stopped polluting facilities from being built and helped pass new policies protecting Louisianians' health and way of life. As one of the leading environmental organizations in Louisiana, local governments and industries routinely consult LEAN at the start of applications for permits. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina and the BP Oil Spill, LEAN has coordinated emergency relief, disseminated accurate information about pollution and its impacts, and worked toward restoration of the region's habitats and cultures.
