Richard Cornelison

Experienced business leader with a proven track record of driving revenue growth and profitability in the electric utility industry. Currently serving as the Director of Marketing and Economic Development at Cleco Power, I lead cross-functional teams and execute strategic initiatives to achieve key performance indicators (KPIs) and targeted goals.In addition to leading our Marketing and Economic Development teams, I'm responsible for overseeing the company's electrification initiatives, including the development and implementation of our electric vehicle strategy, energy efficiency programs, residential heating initiatives, clean fuels growth strategy, and other clean energy solutions.Experienced in leading and overseeing contract negotiations and execution, I excel in high-pressure environments where attention to detail and strategic thinking are crucial. With a proven track record of securing favorable deals and managing complex agreements, I bring expertise in cultivating strong stakeholder relationships, analyzing contract terms, and ensuring compliance.Throughout my career, I have successfully negotiated and executed a diverse range of contracts, including vendor agreements, client contracts, and partnerships. My expertise lies in cultivating strong relationships with stakeholders, analyzing contract terms, mitigating risks, and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. I continuously stay updated with industry trends, allowing me to identify innovative solutions and drive continuous process improvements.Prior to joining Cleco, I served as the Economic Development Manager at OG&E Electric Services for nearly 27 years. In this role, I led cross-functional teams and orchestrated comprehensive strategies to position OG&E as the economic development leader in Oklahoma and Arkansas. By leveraging my expertise in relationship building, marketing, stakeholder engagement, program management, and legislative advocacy, I played a pivotal role in attracting new projects, driving capital investments, and fostering job creation within the OG&E service territory.I have had the honor of being recognized twice as one of North America's Top 50 Economic Developers, showcasing my expertise and contributions in driving economic growth. In addition to this accomplishment, I have held prestigious positions as Board Chair for various professional and civic organizations, further demonstrating my commitment to leadership and community engagement.