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.

Amy S. Thibodeaux

Economic Development Project Manager

Passionate about fostering strategic partnerships and driving impactful initiatives, Amy S. Thibodeaux is a seasoned professional with nearly 15 years of experience in Community & Economic Development and Government Relations. She earned her MBA from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

As part of the Cleco Economic Development team, Amy supports the South Louisiana and New Orleans Regions. She will work to catalyze sustainable growth, support local businesses and attract new industries, ultimately enhancing the economic vitality of communities.

Connor Bradford

Economic Development Project Manager

With a love for community and economic development, Connor Bradford is a 4-year veteran in the economic development industry. Earning his bachelor’s from the University of South Alabama, Connor has spent time with some of the State of Alabama’s highest functioning Economic Development Organizations.

Being a part of Cleco’s Economic Development Team, Connor Supports the Central and Western Regions of the Cleco footprint. He will work with local and regional stakeholders to build and foster lasting relationships, new initiatives that will drive growth, and increase the community and economic well-being of the regions served.

Contact Us

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