Lauren Averill PE

About

Lauren Averill has spent more than two decades working to protect Louisiana’s coast, strengthen its communities, and connect people with the natural environment that surrounds them. A civil engineer by training and a coastal restoration professional by experience, she brings together engineering, environmental planning, government, funding, and community engagement to turn challenging ideas into projects that make a difference.

Lauren graduated from the University of Mississippi with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a minor in Environmental Engineering and is a registered Professional Engineer in Louisiana. Her career has taken her from engineering and environmental consulting to some of Louisiana’s most significant coastal restoration and hurricane protection efforts.

In 2016, Lauren was appointed Jefferson Parish’s first Coastal Director. She developed the Parish’s first comprehensive Coastal Strategic Plan and helped secure more than $20 million in grants and government funding for coastal initiatives. She is particularly proud of the Bucktown Living Shoreline, which brought restored marsh habitat, storm resilience, and environmental education to an urban shoreline along Lake Pontchartrain. Lauren was appointed to the Governor’s Office of Coastal Activities and has worked throughout her career with state and federal partners including CPRA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, NOAA, and LDWF.

Today, she serves as Coastal Planning and Development Lead at T. Baker Smith, helping government agencies and communities navigate the technical, regulatory, and funding challenges associated with coastal restoration and infrastructure.

Lauren joined the Ellevate board in 2024 and currently chairs the Environment and Infrastructure Committee. She believes that bringing more women into leadership—and creating opportunities for women to share their expertise—is essential to building stronger communities and a more resilient future.

Outside of work, Lauren enjoys live music, fishing in Louisiana’s coastal marshes, and spending time outdoors. She is also an enthusiastic Ole Miss Rebel and Chicago Cubs fan.