Cleco Alternative Energy Center

Our Team

Plug Into Powerful Support

Meet Cleco’s Economic Development Team

Cleco Power serves approximately 293,000 customers across Louisiana with one goal in mind: to be Louisiana’s leading clean energy company.

In 2021, we furthered this mission by completely revamping and realigning our economic development efforts. This culminated in the hiring of our new Director, Richard Cornelison, named one of the Top 50 Economic Developers in North America in 2020 and 2022.

As local and national economic development experts, our team focuses on business development and community advocacy by providing new and seasoned Louisiana employers with reliable, comprehensive site selection services customized for their needs.

Richard Cornelison

Director, Marketing and Economic Development

A nationally recognized business leader with nearly 30 years of utility industry expertise and experience in leadership, management, economic development, marketing, brand, innovation, keynote presentations, relationship building, communications, legislative and regulatory advocacy. Experience leading high-performing teams, working collaboratively on economic development initiatives designed to attract jobs, capital investment, and new electric load.

Our team develops strategic initiatives to increase investments, improve stakeholder engagement, and create valuable customer experiences through engaging public and private sector stakeholders and fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment.

Zach Hager

Economic Development Project Manager

Zach Hager is an Economic Development Project Manager at Cleco Power. With over decade of experience, he excels in developing and implementing strategies to attract and retain business and industry.

Prior to joining Cleco, Zach served as Vice President of Economic Development at One Acadiana, a nine parish (county) regional economic development organization located in South Louisiana. He oversaw business attraction, retention, and expansion programs and held a leadership role in initiatives designed to make the Acadiana Region one of the most sought-after places for businesses and talent.

Zach holds the esteemed Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation from the International Economic Development Council, representing his commitment to excellence in the field of economic development. Additionally, he is an alumnus of the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute and an active member of the International Economic Development Council. Zach’s educational background includes bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Political Science from Louisiana State University.

Tina Lindsay

Economic Development Project Manager

Tina Lindsay is a 22-year Economic Development Professional experienced in a host of Community, Workforce and Business Development strategic planning and recruitment efforts.

Tina received her certificate of completion from the Oklahoma University Economic Development Institute (OUEDI) and is a graduate of Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, OK, with a Bachelor of Science in Economics.  She is an advocate for and supportive of efforts that create economic growth opportunities for all.

Currently, she is serving as an Economic Development Project Manager for the Cleco Power team with territories in Central and Western Louisiana.

Contact Us

Address 2030 Donahue Ferry Road,
P.O. Box 5000,
Pineville, LA 71361-5000