Chad Hanson

PROFILE

Chad Hanson leads Pew’s work to develop and implement science-based conservation policies and plans in the Southeast United States, including fostering resiliency, sustainability, and biodiversity in the Apalachicola River Basin. Leveraging scientific expertise and long-standing familiarity with the basin and its people, Hanson works to complete research that is needed to support healthy and connected ecosystems through the river system and within the flood plain. Previously, Hanson focused on conserving and restoring oyster reefs and other coastal habitat along the Gulf of Mexico, known officially in the U.S. as the Gulf of America. He also led regional efforts to advance ecosystem-based fisheries management and protect deep-water corals.

Before joining Pew, Hanson monitored fish populations and fishing activity for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, where he served as a biologist and analyst.

Hanson holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and a master’s degree in biological oceanography from Florida State University. He is based near Tallahassee, Florida.