Advisory Council

Meg Mahoney is Public and Government Affairs Manager at ExxonMobil. A Louisiana native, she assumed the role in 2024 and represents ExxonMobil in Baton Rouge-area community, workforce-development, and environmental-stewardship partnerships, including support for the North Baton Rouge Industrial Training Initiative.

Based in South Louisiana, Danna LeBlanc is currently the Commercial Executive Director for Air Products’ Louisiana and Texas Hydrogen pipeline Franchise business servicing critical energy customers through approximately 700 miles of privately owned Hydrogen pipeline infrastructure, the largest in the world.

LeBlanc joined Air Products in 1988 at the Convent, LA Air Separation facility. With her 39 years with Air Products, she has management experience in all aspects of the industrial gases business such as commercial sales, marketing, distributor sales, generated gases, bulk and cylinder gases and commercial technology. She has experience in distribution, maintenance, Express Services, and continuous improvement.

LeBlanc is a graduate of Louisiana State University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and has an MBA from University of Phoenix.

Born in South Louisiana, she enjoys LSU and Saints football. Her favorite pastime is spending time on her houseboat in Bayou Pigeon, fishing and enjoying the swamps of South Louisiana.

Tyler M. Abadie, P.E. is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ABADIE, a national midstream infrastructure, deepwater port, and energy-services firm headquartered in New Orleans with offices in Houston, Washington D.C., Grand Rapids, and London. He has built a career at the intersection of engineering, energy development, and federal policy—positioning ABADIE as a leading advisor and developer across the U.S. and international energy sectors.

Abadie has earned a national reputation in deepwater LNG and crude-export terminal development, project leadership, engineering management, and complex stakeholder engagement.

Under his leadership, ABADIE has grown into an infrastructure and deepwater port development and advisory enterprise with robust capabilities across asset development, engineering, commercialization, and operations. The company reports supporting more than $13 billion in capital-expense projects, managing over $3.25 billion in transactions, and developing 150+ midstream and deepwater port projects worldwide. ABADIE is a multi-year recipient of Best Places to Work, Inc. Magazine’s Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Private Businesses, and LSU Top 100 Tiger-led/owned Businesses.

Prior to founding ABADIE, he served as Engineering & Operations Lead for Harvest-Marks Pipeline, a private-equity midstream company that acquired the Chevron and BP Cypress Pipeline assets in Southeast Louisiana. In that role, he managed daily operations, personnel, capital projects, and regulatory compliance—facilitating multiple federal audits and overseeing transportation operations in Ultra-High Consequence Areas, including federally protected wildlife refuges.

Abadie holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Louisiana State University, is a multi-state licensed professional engineer, a multi-patent author, and a published industry expert.

Ed Thayer is the Sr. Manager of State Government Affairs and Political Affairs for Phillips 66. He manages state government relations for Phillips 66 across the Gulf Coast states along with directing the company’s political programs. Thayer serves on the board of directors for the Louisiana Midcontinent Oil and Gas Association (LMOGA), the Texas Association of Manufacturers (TAM) and the Business and Industry Political Action Committee (BIPAC). He graduated from Emory University with a major in Political Science and History and holds an MBA from Vanderbilt University.

Alan M. Boxberger serves as Fiscal Officer for the Louisiana Legislative Fiscal Office, where he oversees analysis of state budgeting, fiscal policy, and financial management for the Louisiana Legislature. He has extensive experience in public budgeting, fiscal analysis, and financial management within Louisiana state government.

Stephen McKinney is Senior Vice President of Americas Markets at Westinghouse Electric Company, where he leads customer engagement and commercial strategy across the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. With over 20 years in the nuclear power industry, he brings deep expertise in engineering, operations, and strategic leadership, with a strong track record in managing complex projects and strengthening customer partnerships.

McKinney has held multiple leadership roles at Westinghouse, including Fleet Alliance Director and Manager of Customer Projects, and earlier served in key field positions overseeing nuclear facility maintenance with a focus on safety and performance. He began his career in the U.S. Navy’s nuclear submarine program. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and is Six Sigma certified.

Jayson Newell is the Senior Vice President of Business Investment at the Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership. Newell leads initiatives to attract and grow businesses throughout Louisiana's nine-parish Capital Region. Previously, Newell served as Vice President of Business Investment at the Partnership and worked at Louisiana Economic Development, supporting business recruitment in sectors such as automotive, chemical, durable goods, and refining. Newell earned a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and a Master's degree in Economic Development from The University of Southern Mississippi.

Michelle Hultberg is the Managing Director at Harris, DeVille and Associates. Hultberg specializes in strategic communications planning, public affairs programs, crisis communications, and community and media relations. With nearly 20 years of experience in public affairs for oil, gas, and energy industry clients, she provides strategic public and government affairs support for industrial manufacturing facilities and energy pipelines. Her work includes message development, issue identification, stakeholder engagement, and strategic community investment programs, supporting the siting and development of energy projects such as LNG, chemicals production, and natural gas pipelines. She graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and minors in business and French, and earned a Master of Arts in Liberal Arts from LSU.

Rep. Ryan Bourriaque is a Louisiana State Representative for the Louisiana State House of Representatives. Bourriaque serves as vice-chairman of the Natural Resources, Ways & Means, and Agriculture committees. Bourriaque is a legislative appointee to the National Energy Council for energy-producing states and holds several legislative appointments, including the House Executive Committee, House Leadership Committee, Executive Board for the Rural Caucus, and the Legislative Select Committee on Disaster Recovery. Bourriaque also serves as an interim ad hoc member of the House Commerce Committee relative to the study of Louisiana's international trade potential. Bourriaque has held several board of director seats, including the Chenier Plain Coastal Restoration and Protection Authority and the Louisiana Sea Grant Advisory Council. Bourriaque attained a B.A. in psychology and a master's in agricultural economics and environmental policy, both from Louisiana State University.

Rep. C. Travis Johnson serves as a Louisiana State Representative for the 21st district in the Louisiana legislature. Johnson is the vice chair for Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Rural Development, and serves on the Natural Resources and Environment, Ways and Means, and Joint Legislative Committee on Capital Outlay. In 2024, Johnson served as vice chair of the Rural Caucus. Additionally, Johnson serves on the House Select Committee for Disaster Recovery and established the Delta Economic Research & Sustainability District. Johnson holds a bachelor's degree in economics and political science from Louisiana Tech University and a master's degree in public administration from Belhaven University.

Stephanie Cargile is the U.S. Southeast Region Government Relations Advisor for ExxonMobil. In this role, Cargile manages government relations across the company's Louisiana operations, representing its Product Solutions and Low Carbon Solutions business lines. She engages with state leaders on innovation and sustainability initiatives. Previously, Cargile served as ExxonMobil's public affairs manager before her promotion in 2024. Over her 20-year career, she has received three Louisiana Chemical Association MVP Awards for her contributions to policy development and industry advancement.

Laura Beauchamp is the Vice President of Business Operations and Strategy for Entergy Louisiana. Beauchamp is responsible for managing the company's planning of generation, transmission, and wholesale power activities. Her team works directly with customers to create solutions to meet carbon goals and maintain reliability. Beauchamp has spent 24 years with Entergy, holding positions in finance, regulatory, and innovation. She received both her Bachelor of Science Management in finance and Master of Business Administration from Tulane University's A.B. Freeman School of Business. Beauchamp currently serves as an advisory board member to the Tulane Energy Institute, is an adjunct lecturer, and is a member of Louisiana's Climate Taskforce.

Camille Ivy-O'Donnell Bentin is the Senior State Government Affairs Representative for Chevron Corporation. Bentin oversees policy efforts across the U.S. East Region, working with state governments, regulatory agencies, and community stakeholders to align public policy initiatives with corporate goals in sustainability and energy development. Her professional background includes experience in public affairs and communications, fostering collaboration among government, industry, and community leaders. Bentin also serves on the Board of Directors for the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI), contributing to policy engagement related to business and energy interests.

Robert Beadle is the President of Placid Refining. Beadle leads all aspects of the company's operations, including refining, marketing, and environmental management. After beginning his career in upstream engineering, Beadle joined Placid in 1998 and advanced through key leadership positions. His experience spans engineering management, refinery operations, and strategic planning. Beadle holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and an M.B.A. from Louisiana State University. He serves on the Boards of the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) and the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil & Gas Association (LMOGA), representing the state's refining sector on energy and policy issues.

M. Jason Lanclos is the Director of State Energy Development and Planning at Louisiana Economic Development (LED). Lanclos previously served as the energy director for the Louisiana Department of Energy and Natural Resources (DENR) from 2018 to 2024, acting as an energy advisor to the Governor's office. His background includes serving as deputy director of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) and working in the private sector at URS/AECOM for nearly 13 years. In his current hybrid role across DENR and LED, Lanclos leads state energy implementation and development efforts on hydrogen, CCUS, and nuclear energy. He serves as a Federal Appointee on the Offshore CCUS permitting task force, a board member on the Governor's task force for funding of Deepwater Ports in Louisiana, and an adviser for the LSU Energy Institute. Lanclos holds a degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Louisiana State University and is a licensed Professional Engineer.

Emile Cordaro is the Government Affairs Manager for AEP SWEPCO. Cordaro represents the company's interests in Louisiana through stakeholder engagement, community relations, and regulatory collaboration. A 1978 graduate of Louisiana State University, Cordaro began his career in public accounting before joining AEP SWEPCO in 1986. Over nearly four decades, Cordaro has served in multiple accounting, regulatory, and external affairs roles. Cordaro serves on the board of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) and has spent more than 16 years on the Louisiana State Mineral and Energy Board.

David Cresson is the President and CEO of the Louisiana Chemical Association and the Louisiana Chemical Industry Alliance. In this role, Cresson leads advocacy and strategic initiatives on behalf of Louisiana's chemical manufacturing sector. Prior to assuming this position in March 2025, he served for nearly two decades as the executive director of the Coastal Conservation Association of Louisiana. During his tenure there, Cresson developed a coalition of business and community leaders focused on conservation, regulatory policy, and economic stewardship. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama.

Blake Canfield is Executive Counsel for the Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy. Canfield oversees the Legal Division and advises the Secretary and senior leadership on regulatory, administrative, and legislative matters. In this capacity, Canfield provides legal and strategic guidance on the state's management of its natural resources, including energy development, coastal protection, and water resource policy. Before his appointment as executive counsel in 2013, Canfield served as senior attorney for the Louisiana Office of Conservation, representing the agency in litigation and regulatory affairs. Canfield holds a J.D. from the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center and serves on the U.S. Department of Energy's CCUS Permitting Task Force, as well as the Louisiana Mineral Law Institute's Advisory Council.

George Guidry is the Director of State Government Affairs for Koch Companies Public Sector. Guidry manages state-level public policy and advocacy initiatives across the Gulf Coast region, representing Koch Industries in matters related to energy, environmental regulation, and economic competitiveness. With more than two decades of experience in government relations, Guidry focuses on advancing market-based policy solutions. Guidry also chairs the Energy and Environmental Quality Council of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI), contributing to policy development related to the industrial economy.

Eric Zimmermann is the Chief Operating Officer of LLOG Exploration Company. Zimmermann has been with the company since 2007, previously working as a geologist for BP and Dominion. His career experience has focused on exploration and development projects in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico. Zimmermann received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in geology from Louisiana State University. He is a professional geologist in Texas and Louisiana and serves as a Fellow of the Geological Society of London.

Randy Young is a Partner at Kean Miller LLP. Young has more than 30 years of experience in energy and utility regulation and litigation. He practices primarily in the areas of energy, utility regulation, and river pilotage regulation, with additional experience in trucking regulatory matters, telecommunications litigation, and environmental litigation. Young has represented industrial manufacturing, refining, and related companies before the Louisiana Public Service Commission and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. He has also represented independent generation companies and power marketers in regulatory matters, as well as industry associations before the Louisiana Pilotage Commission. His background includes complex toxic tort litigation, class action proceedings, insurance claims litigation, and representing clients in connection with environmental remediation and Superfund issues.

Ben Vincent is the Senior Economist at the Kathleen Babineaux Blanco Public Policy Center. Prior to joining, Vincent served as an economist at the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Louisiana Legislative Fiscal Office, providing nonpartisan analysis on state economic and fiscal trends. He holds a Master of Science in Applied Economics from Johns Hopkins University.

Rochelle Touchard serves as Senior Corporate Relations Advisor at Shell USA, Inc.'s Norco Manufacturing Complex. Touchard supports community engagement and outreach in St. Charles Parish and represents the organization in local partnerships and communications efforts across the Greater New Orleans region.

Freddy Smith is a Partner at EAG Gulf Coast, LLC and EisnerAmper. Smith has more than 30 years of experience providing audit and accounting services to school boards, parish and municipal governments, and state government entities. He assists government and nonprofit agencies with advisory services for federal grant programs. Previously, Smith served as a director at Postlethwaite & Netterville, where he headed the Governmental Niche Team and specialized in governmental accounting, auditing, and regulatory compliance. He holds the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants' Certificate of Educational Achievement in Governmental and Non-Profit Accounting and Auditing and has achieved the Chartered Global Management Accountant designation.

Adrienne C. Slack is the Managing Regional Executive and Vice President at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta - New Orleans Branch. Slack serves as the lead regional executive for the Regional Economic Information Network (REIN), coordinating its strategic plan and aligning it with monetary policy deliberations. She is responsible for the New Orleans Branch's board of directors and the District's Energy Advisory Council, providing regional input into the Atlanta Fed's monetary policy process and advising on economic development matters. Slack previously worked in the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas' economic research department and served in national leadership roles, including an assignment at the Board of Governors in Washington, D.C. She received a Bachelor of Science in business administration with a concentration in economics from the University of Southern Mississippi and completed the Executive Development program at Dartmouth College.

Marjorie A. McKeithen is a Partner at Jones Walker LLP, where she co-chairs the firm's Energy, Environmental, and Natural Resources Industry Team. McKeithen advises clients on energy infrastructure, regulatory policy, and large-scale project development across Louisiana and the Gulf Coast. Her practice includes work on hydrogen and ammonia production, CO2 sequestration, and offshore wind energy development. Prior to joining Jones Walker, McKeithen served as secretary of the Louisiana Mineral and Energy Board and as assistant secretary of the Department of Natural Resources' Office of Mineral Resources, overseeing leasing and management of state-owned lands and water bottoms. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Land Management and a Juris Doctor from Louisiana State University's Paul M. Hebert Law Center. McKeithen has also served on the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association Board and is a member of the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission.

Mike Moncla is President of the Louisiana Oil & Gas Association and serves as CEO for Moncla Companies, LLC. Moncla began his career as a bit salesman for Reed Tool Company after graduating from the University of Southwestern Louisiana with a degree in business administration in 1990. In 1994, he joined Moncla Well Service, and over the next 15 years, helped grow the business into the largest privately owned workover company in the U.S., serving as chief operating officer. Following the sale of the business to Key Energy Services in 2008, Moncla served as division manager for the company's southeastern division. In 2010, he returned to the family business by repurchasing six workover barges, leading to further growth and diversification. Moncla serves on the executive board for the Louisiana Oil & Gas Association and on the board for the Louisiana Gulf Coast Oil Exposition.

Brad Mittendorf is Founding Partner of Southern Strategy Group Louisiana (SSG). With nearly 20 years of experience in government relations, legislative strategy, and energy policy, Mittendorf advises clients across the telecommunications, utilities, and manufacturing sectors. Before founding SSG, Mittendorf served as chief of staff to Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Jimmy Field, where he worked extensively on energy and telecommunications regulation. He also founded In Focus, LLC, a firm specializing in research and focus group analysis for political and business clients. Mittendorf holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Louisiana State University and a Master of Arts in American History from the University of Virginia.

Desiree Lemoine is the President of LA Matters Consulting. Lemoine has more than 30 years of experience in the public and private sectors, beginning her career with the City of Baton Rouge in 1992 before joining The TJC Group in 2013. She previously served as manager of field services, director of communications and public affairs, and staff contact for the governmental affairs committee at the Louisiana Chemical Association. Her work has involved passing legislation related to natural gas and business utilities, streamlining operating permits, and improving carbon capture and sequestration rules in Louisiana. Lemoine currently serves on task forces and committees for the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, the Greater Baton Rouge Industry Alliance, the Louisiana Chemical Association, and the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. She is an LSU graduate.

Dr. Jack Koban is Development/Industrial Division Leader at Forte and Tablada, Inc., where he oversees engineering, infrastructure, and industrial development projects across the Gulf Coast region. A licensed Professional Engineer and Professional Geologist with more than 20 years of experience, he has extensive expertise in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, project management, and business development. Dr. Koban is actively involved in several professional organizations and continues to support innovation and economic growth through his leadership in engineering and industrial development.

Tim Johnson is the President and Founder of The TJC Group. Johnson has over 35 years of experience in public affairs consulting, specializing in stakeholder engagement and community relations for industrial clients. He has established over 60 Community Advisory Councils and Panels across eight states, facilitating meetings between industry representatives and local residents. Previously, Johnson served as director of business development for The Shaw Group, executive director of the Associated Builders and Contractors Pelican Chapter, and lead staffer for the Louisiana State Senate. He also produced and hosted The Louisiana Business and Industry Show. Johnson is an alumnus of Louisiana State University.

Shane Hilton is the Chief Commercial Officer of Cleco Power, LLC. Hilton oversees a regulated electric utility with nine generating assets, 13,000 miles of distribution circuits, and approximately 300,000 customers in Louisiana and parts of Mississippi. He assumed his current leadership role in February 2019, having begun his career with Cleco in April 1989. Hilton has held numerous leadership positions, including director of resource operations, general manager of resource and fuels, general manager of transmission strategy, and vice president of MISO operations. From 2011 to 2013, he led a project team that transitioned Cleco's operating assets into the Midwest Independent System Operator regional market. In 2018, he led the regulatory initiative to purchase NRG's south central utility business. Hilton is a member of LABI, EEI, and various utility working groups. He holds a degree in business administration from Louisiana State University of Alexandria and completed LSU executive courses in Leadership and Finance.

Sen. Bob Hensgens is the Louisiana State Senator for District 26. Hensgens currently serves as chairman of the Senate Natural Resources Committee and is a committee member on Senate Environmental Quality and the Select Committee on Coastal Restoration and Flood Protection. He was first elected to the legislature as a representative in 2011 and to the senate in 2018, previously serving on the committees of Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development. Hensgens graduated from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.

Dr. Manfredo Dix is Chief Economist for the State of Louisiana in the Office of Planning and Budget. Dix leads economic analysis and revenue forecasting for state leadership, providing insight on fiscal planning, labor market trends, and policy impacts that shape Louisiana's long-term financial stability. With a Ph.D. in Economics from Tulane University, Dix brings academic and applied expertise to his work, including published research on financial regulation and moral hazard in economic policy.

Speaker Phillip DeVillier serves as the Speaker of the House for the Louisiana State House of Representatives. Elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives in 2015, DeVillier has served as chairman of the Retirement Committee and has been a member of the Ways and Means, Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Capital Outlay committees. He is also the owner of Louisiana Structural Movers, Inc. DeVillier holds a bachelor's degree in business management from Louisiana State University.

Brandon Frey is the Executive Secretary of the Louisiana Public Service Commission. Frey has held this position since 2018, overseeing the Commission's daily operations across Louisiana's regulatory framework. Before his appointment as Executive Secretary, Frey served as the Commission's Executive Counsel, managing its Legal Division and providing strategic advice to commissioners on regulatory, legal, and administrative matters. Frey earned his Juris Doctor from Louisiana State University's Paul M. Hebert Law Center.

Rep. Brett F. Geymann serves as Louisiana State Representative for District 35, representing portions of Beauregard and Calcasieu Parishes. First elected in 2004, Geymann served until 2016 before returning to the legislature in 2021. Geymann has worked on fiscal discipline, education reform, and ethical governance. Geymann holds a Bachelor of Science degree from McNeese State University. Geymann has worked to strengthen Louisiana's financial management systems and improve transparency in government, balancing business growth with environmental stewardship.