Jayson Newell is senior vice president of business investment at the Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership, where he leads initiatives to attract and grow businesses throughout Louisiana's nine-parish Capital Region. Before this role, he 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. A native of Ridgeland, MS, he earned both a Bachelor's in Political Science and a Master's in Economic Development from The University of Southern Mississippi.

Michelle Hultberg is the managing director at Harris, DeVille & Associates, an issues management and strategic communications firm. Michelle specializes in strategic communications planning, development and implementation of 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 ongoing strategic public and government affairs support for several industrial manufacturing facilities and energy pipelines. From message development and issue identification to stakeholder engagement and strategic community investment programs, she has supported the siting and development of over $30 billion in world-scale energy projects including LNG, chemicals production and natural gas pipelines. Michelle also oversees the development of communications materials, video projects and major celebratory events for HDA clients. She graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and minors in business and French. Michelle also earned a Master of Arts in Liberal Arts from LSU.

State Representative Ryan Bourriaque holds three committee appointments that are certainly relevant to District 47: vice-chairman of Natural Resources, Ways & Means, and Agriculture. He has also been chosen as a legislative appointment to the National Energy Council for energy-producing states and holds several legislative appointments, including the following: House Executive Committee; House Leadership Committee; Executive Board for the Rural Caucus; the Legislative Select Committee on Disaster Recovery; and he serves as an interim ad hoc member of the House Commerce Committee for the remainder of this interim relative to the study of Louisiana's international trade potential.

He has held several Board of Director seats, including the Chenier Plain Coastal Restoration and Protection Authority, the Louisiana Sea Grant Advisory Council, the Sowela Foundation Board, the Cameron Lions Club, Catholic Charities of Southwest Louisiana, and vice-chairman of the St. Eugene Catholic Church Pastoral Council.

Representative Bourriaque attained a B.A. in psychology and a master's in agricultural economics and environmental policy, both from Louisiana State University. He is married to Megan LaGrange Bourriaque and has three daughters.

State Representative C. Travis Johnson is a native of Ferriday, LA and serves the 21st district in the Louisiana legislature while also serving as the vice chair for Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Rural Development. He also serves on the Natural Resources and Environment, Ways and Means, and Joint Legislative Committee on Capital Outlay. In 2024, he served as vice chair of the Rural Caucus.

Representative Johnson also serves on the House Select Committee for Disaster Recovery as this is an area that is near and dear to his heart. He continues to expand his reach as he is an advocate for sustainability in rural communities and was the pioneer who established the Delta Economic Research & Sustainability District-The economic engine of Delta Northeast Louisiana.

Representative Johnson holds a Bachelor's in economics/political science from Louisiana Tech University, a Master's degree in Public Administration from Belhaven University, and in 2021 had the distinct honor of serving as Louisiana Tech's youngest commencement speaker in the school's history. He is married to Darylana Johnson and he is the proud father of Xavier Johnson.

Stephanie Cargile is U.S. Southeast Region government relations advisor for ExxonMobil, where she manages government relations and advocacy across all of the company's Louisiana operations. In her role, she represents ExxonMobil's interests across its Product Solutions and Low Carbon Solutions business lines, engaging with state leaders to advance innovation and sustainability initiatives. A longtime figure in Baton Rouge public affairs, Stephanie previously served as ExxonMobil's public affairs manager before her promotion in 2024. Over her 20-year career, she has been recognized for excellence in leadership and advocacy, receiving three Louisiana Chemical Association MVP Awards for her contributions to policy development and industry advancement.

Laura Beauchamp is the director of resource planning and market operations for Entergy Louisiana. In this role, Laura is responsible for managing the company's planning of generation, transmission, and wholesale power activities. Entergy Louisiana's fundamental goal for resource planning is to deliver a sustainable portfolio that is centered on customer outcomes and balances reliability, affordability, and environmental stewardship. Laura's team focuses not only on meeting the sustainability goals of the company, but more importantly on its customers. The team works directly with customers to create solutions to meet carbon goals and to maintain superior reliability.

Laura has spent 24 years with Entergy, also holding positions in finance, regulatory, and innovation.

Laura received both her Bachelor of Science Management in finance and Master of Business Administration from Tulane University's A.B. Freeman School of Business. She currently serves as an advisory board member to the Tulane Energy Institute and is an adjunct lecturer. Laura is also a member of Louisiana's Climate Taskforce.

Ms. Camille Ivy-O'Donnell Bentin is senior state government affairs representative for Chevron U.S.A., Inc., overseeing policy and advocacy efforts across the U.S. East Region. In her role, she works closely with state governments, regulatory agencies, and community stakeholders to align Chevron's public policy initiatives with corporate goals in sustainability and responsible energy development. Camille's professional background includes extensive experience in public affairs and communications, and she has earned a reputation for fostering collaboration among government, industry, and community leaders. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI), where she contributes to advancing Louisiana's business and energy interests through effective policy engagement.

Mr. V.J. Bella is a retired member of the Louisiana House of Representatives, where he served District 50 in Iberia and St. Mary Parishes from 1972 to 1990. A lifelong advocate for public safety, Bella became known statewide for championing one of Louisiana's first fire sprinkler laws, a reform that significantly improved building safety standards across the state. Following his legislative service, he was appointed Louisiana State Fire Marshal, serving two terms between 1990 and 2004. His leadership modernized statewide fire prevention and inspection practices, leaving a lasting impact on public safety policy in Louisiana.

Stanley Bienemy is director of government and community relations for Air Products in Louisiana, where he leads initiatives that strengthen relationships between industry, government, and the communities in which the company operates. With a professional background that includes serving as director of economic development for St. John the Baptist Parish and prior roles in state and parish administration, Stanley has built a reputation for fostering collaboration and advancing sustainable regional growth. His work focuses on promoting industrial development while maintaining a strong commitment to community engagement and workforce opportunity. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Southern University and A&M College and a Master of Business Administration from Loyola University New Orleans.

Rob Beadle is CEO and president of Placid Refining, where he leads all aspects of the company's operations, including refining, marketing, and environmental management. After beginning his career in upstream engineering, Rob joined Placid in 1998 and quickly advanced through key leadership positions. His extensive experience spans engineering management, refinery operations, and strategic planning. Rob holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and an M.B.A. from Louisiana State University. Deeply committed to industry collaboration, 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 key energy and policy issues.

M. Jason Lanclos, P.E. (Jason) has worked at Louisiana Economic Development (LED) since August of 2024. Prior to joining LED, Mr. Lanclos was the energy director for the Louisiana Department of Energy and Natural Resources (DENR), serving in this role since 2018 as a key energy advisor to the Governor's office. After serving as the deputy director of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) for the Governor's Office since 2014, Mr. Lanclos took the opportunity to return to working in the energy sector at DENR after working in private industry at URS/AECOM for almost 13 years. Mr. Lanclos is continuing his focus on energy development and international trade and commerce at LED.

Recognizing the need and importance of energy and lead development, DENR and LED implemented a vision to create a hybrid role that works across DENR and LED. Mr. Lanclos serves both agencies as the director of state energy development and planning, leading energy-related development and planning activities for Louisiana on a national and international scale.

Mr. Lanclos is leading the state's energy implementation and development efforts on hydrogen, CCUS and nuclear energy in conjunction with the Governor's Office. Mr. Lanclos serves as a Federal Appointee on the Offshore CCUS permitting task force and also serves as a board member on the Governor's task force for funding of Deepwater Ports in Louisiana. Mr. Lanclos is also an adviser for the LSU Center for Energy Studies. Mr. Lanclos has worked on and managed a variety of projects/programs in the energy sector during his time in public and private industry and managed one of the largest ecosystem restoration efforts for the State of Louisiana while at CPRA. He holds a degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Louisiana State University and is a licensed Professional Engineer.

Emile Cordaro is manager of external affairs for AEP SWEPCO, where he represents the company's interests in Louisiana through stakeholder engagement, community relations, and regulatory collaboration. A 1978 graduate of Louisiana State University and former LSU baseball letterman, Emile began his career in public accounting before joining AEP SWEPCO in 1986. Over nearly four decades, he has served in multiple accounting, regulatory, and external affairs roles, earning recognition for his thoughtful approach to balancing business growth with community priorities. He 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. His deep institutional knowledge and leadership continue to strengthen Louisiana's energy dialogue across industry and government.

David Cresson is president and CEO of the Louisiana Chemical Association (LCA) and the Louisiana Chemical Industry Alliance (LCIA), leading both organizations' advocacy and strategic initiatives on behalf of Louisiana's chemical manufacturing sector. He assumed the position in March 2025, following nearly two decades as executive director of the Coastal Conservation Association of Louisiana (CCA). In that role, David developed a broad coalition of business and community leaders focused on conservation, regulatory policy, and economic stewardship. Born in Metairie, Louisiana, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama, where he captained the baseball team. A resident of Baton Rouge since 1993, David and his wife, Melissa, are proud parents of three sons and remain deeply engaged in local education and community service.

Dave Cagnolatti is a native of Gonzales, La. He graduated from Louisiana State University in 1981 with a major in accounting and a minor in psychology. He is currently manager of state government relations for Phillips 66, Texas and the Gulf Coast Region, which includes the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.

Dave has served on the board of directors for the Louisiana Midcontinent Oil and Gas Association. He is a member of the Taxation and Finance Council, Civil Justice Council, Energy Council, Trade and Tourism Council for the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry. He has also been a member of the State Government Affairs Committee of the Louisiana Chemical Association, past president and board member for the Association of Louisiana Lobbyists, and board member for the Texas Pipeline Association. He was also on the executive committee of the Texas Association of Manufacturers. Dave has served on the board of directors for the Texas Civil Justice League and was past president of Southern States Energy Board, Industry Associates.

In his free time, Dave enjoys golf, woodworking, and bird photography.

James Blake Canfield is executive counsel for the Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy (LDCE), where he oversees the Legal Division and advises the Secretary and senior leadership on regulatory, administrative, and legislative matters. In this capacity, he 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, Blake served as senior attorney for the Louisiana Office of Conservation, representing the agency in litigation and regulatory affairs. He 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 director of state government affairs for Koch Companies Public Sector, where he manages state-level public policy and advocacy initiatives across the Gulf Coast region. Based in Baton Rouge, he represents Koch Industries in matters related to energy, environmental regulation, and economic competitiveness. With more than two decades of experience in government relations, George has developed a strong reputation for advancing collaborative, market-based policy solutions. He also chairs the Energy and Environmental Quality Council of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI), where he contributes to policy development that supports sustainable growth and innovation in Louisiana's industrial economy.

Eric Zimmermann is chief operating officer of LLOG Exploration. He has been with the company since 2007. Prior to LLOG, Eric worked for BP and Dominion as a geologist. His experience has been focused on exploration and development projects in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico for his career.

Eric received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in geology at Louisiana State University. He is a professional geologist in the states of Texas and Louisiana and is a Fellow of the Geological Society of London.

Debbie Vivien is chief economist at the Louisiana Legislative Fiscal Office (LFO), where she oversees the Economic Section and directs research on state revenue forecasting, fiscal policy, and budget analysis. In this capacity, she advises both the Louisiana House and Senate on the economic implications of proposed legislation, helping to ensure sound and evidence-based fiscal decision-making. Debbie brings extensive expertise in public finance and economic modeling, and her work has been central to evaluating Louisiana's tax structure and expenditure programs. She is also an active member of the Advisory Council for the LSU Center for Energy Studies, where she contributes to research on energy economics and state fiscal impacts. Through her commitment to analytical rigor and transparency, Debbie continues to play a vital role in shaping Louisiana's long-term economic strategy.

Randy Young is a partner in the Baton Rouge office of Kean Miller and has more than 30 years' experience in energy and utility regulation and litigation. He joined the firm in 1992 and currently practices primarily in the areas of energy, utility regulation, and river pilotage regulation. He also has experience in trucking regulatory matters, telecommunications litigation, and environmental litigation.

Randy has represented industrial manufacturing, refining, and related companies before the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). He has represented independent generation companies and power marketers in matters before the LPSC and has represented a telecommunications company in multi-state regulatory complaint proceedings. Randy has also represented industry associations in matters before the Louisiana Pilotage Commission. He also has extensive experience in complex toxic tort litigation, class action proceedings and settlements, insurance claims litigation, and he has represented clients in connection with environmental remediation and Superfund/CERCLA issues and litigation.

Randy is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell, and was elected to The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward White, Inc) from 2007-2024 by his peers. He was named by Best Lawyers as the Baton Rouge Lawyer of the Year in Administrative/Regulatory Law for 2018. Randy is also listed among the top energy & natural resources lawyers in the State of Louisiana by Chambers USA from 2011-2023. He was also recognized in the Capital Region 500 by the Baton Rouge Business Report in 2023.

Ben Vincent is chief economist at the Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC), where he leads the agency's research, forecasting, and labor market analysis functions. In this role, he develops employment projections and economic outlooks that inform workforce planning, education policy, and industry strategy across the state. Prior to joining LWC, Ben served as an economist at 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 and is widely respected for his data-driven insights into Louisiana's labor dynamics and economic competitiveness. Through his leadership, LWC continues to align workforce development efforts with the needs of Louisiana's evolving energy and manufacturing economy.

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

Freddy Smith is a partner in EisnerAmper's Audit and Assurance Services Group. With more than 30 years of experience, Freddy primarily focuses on providing audit and accounting services to school boards, parish and municipal governments, and state government entities. He also has substantial experience assisting government and nonprofit agencies with advisory services for federal grant programs, including the recent and ongoing COVID-19 recovery programs. Through his guidance, government entities have gained valuable insights into their financial performance, internal controls, and compliance, enabling them to make informed decisions and enhance accountability to their stakeholders.

Prior to joining EisnerAmper, Freddy was a director at Postlethwaite & Netterville, a leading full-service accounting and business advisory firm. In this role, working as the head of the firm's Governmental Niche Team, he enhanced the firm's specialization in governmental accounting, auditing, and regulatory compliance, leading to significant firm-wide expansion of governmental services.

Freddy has obtained the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants' Certificate of Educational Achievement in Governmental and Non-Profit Accounting and Auditing. His professional contributions have facilitated numerous clients in attaining the Government Finance Officers Association Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting. He has also achieved the Chartered Global Management Accountant designation.

Adrienne Slack is the coordinating regional executive of the Bank's Regional Economic Information Network (REIN). In this role she serves as the lead regional executive, assuming responsibility for coordinating the REIN strategic plan, outputs, and talent pipeline for the Sixth District. She also works with the Research director to determine REIN alignment with monetary policy deliberations.

She is responsible for the New Orleans Branch's board of directors and the District's Energy Advisory Council, and provides regional input into the Atlanta Fed's monetary policy process. She also contributes to the Atlanta Fed's strategic planning process and advises on regional community and economic development matters, including economic mobility and resilience.

She joined the Federal Reserve System with the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas' economic research department and later moved to the District Cash Function Office at the New Orleans Branch. During her Federal Reserve tenure, she served in several national leadership roles, including an assignment at the Board of Governors in Washington, D.C. Prior to assuming her current role, Adrienne was the New Orleans Branch Manager with responsibility for currency services, law enforcement, and facility and support services.

Adrienne is involved in a number of activities, including the United Way of Southeast Louisiana Board of Trustees, Bayou District Foundation, University of Southern Mississippi College of Business Advisory Council, and Louisiana Association of United Way ALICE (Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed) Advisory Committee. In 2006, she was honored by New Orleans City Business at its Women of the Year event.

Raised in Mississippi, Adrienne received a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with a concentration in economics from the University of Southern Mississippi. She also completed the Executive Development program at Dartmouth College.

Renee Morales is director of external affairs at Talos Energy, a Houston-based oil and gas company specializing in exploration and production across the Gulf of Mexico and Gulf Coast. In her role, she leads the company's government relations and community engagement strategies, ensuring transparent and collaborative relationships with policymakers, local leaders, and residents in the regions where Talos operates. With a strong background in communications and stakeholder outreach, Renee has built her career around connecting industrial innovation with community priorities. She is an active member of the Louisiana Oil & Gas Association (LOGA) and participates in statewide energy forums focused on sustainable production and responsible resource development. Renee's professionalism and leadership have made her a trusted advocate for Louisiana's energy sector and its role in regional economic growth.

Marjorie A. McKeithen is partner at Jones Walker LLP, where she co-chairs the firm's Energy, Environmental, and Natural Resources Industry Team. A highly regarded attorney, she 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, Marjorie 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. Marjorie 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. He serves as CEO for his third-generation family workover business, Moncla Companies, LLC. After having graduated from the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now UL at Lafayette) in 1990 with a degree in business administration, Mike began his career as a bit salesman for Reed Tool Company, working in Lafayette and Houma.

In 1994, Mike joined forces with his father's business, Moncla Well Service, a workover company with seven workover rigs. For the next 15 years, Mike, his father Charlie, and the rest of the Moncla clan grew their family business, through 11 acquisitions, into the largest privately owned workover company in the U.S. Mike was chief operating officer for the business that serviced seven states.

In 2008, Moncla Companies sold its business to Key Energy Services, where Mike then served as division manager for the company's southeastern division. In 2010, Mike, along with his two brothers and uncle, returned to the family business by buying back their previously owned six workover barges from Key Energy. Since that time, the Moncla Companies, LLC, has grown and diversified through several acquisitions.

Mike serves on the executive board for LOGA, on the board for the Louisiana Gulf Coast Oil Exposition, and as chairman of the Lourdes Foundation. He serves on the Foundation Board for St. Thomas More Catholic High School. He is a Eucharistic Minister at Holy Cross Catholic Church. He is married and has one daughter.

Brad Mittendorf is founding partner of Southern Strategy Group Louisiana (SSG), a premier public affairs firm based in Baton Rouge. With nearly 20 years of experience in government relations, legislative strategy, and energy policy, he advises clients across the telecommunications, utilities, and manufacturing sectors. Before founding SSG, Brad 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. Brad holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Louisiana State University and a Master of Arts in American History from the University of Virginia. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate and co-editor of The Oxford Book of the American South, he is widely respected for his deep policy insight and commitment to ethical, data-driven advocacy.

Desiree Lemoine has more than 30 years of experience in the public and private sectors. She began her career with the City of Baton Rouge in 1992 under the Tom Ed McHugh Administration, working in the East Baton Rouge Parish Attorney's Office. She has been with The TJC Group since February of 2013. In early 2022, she was elected to serve as the campaign manager for Industry Makes, a 501(c)(4) that was born out of collaboration between business and industry to serve as a trusted source of industrial communication, and boldly advocates for future investment and industrial growth that is the backbone of Louisiana's economy.

Earlier in her career, after having served in local government for more than nine years, Desiree joined the team of the Louisiana Chemical Association. There she served as manager of field services, as well as the staff contact for the governmental affairs committee. In addition to her duties to the LCA membership, she also served as director of communications and public affairs. Desiree played a vital role in passing legislation that removed the burdensome sales tax from Louisiana's natural gas and business utilities. In addition, she helped to move legislation making it easier and less time-consuming for businesses in Louisiana to obtain operating permits.

More recently, Desiree has worked closely with statewide trade associations in drafting and passing significant legislation to improve the carbon capture and sequestration rules in Louisiana.

Desiree currently serves on numerous 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. Along with her service to these task forces and committees, Desiree also serves on the board of directors for the American Red Cross, Capital West Chapter, as well as the board for Future PAC, and is an immediate past member of the West Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce.

Desiree, an LSU graduate, resides in beautiful Pointe Coupee Parish with her husband Michael and their two children.

Dr. Jack Koban is senior director of energy industry engagement at the LSU Foundation, where he leads efforts to strengthen collaboration between LSU and the energy industry. Since joining the Foundation in 2025, Dr. Koban has focused on developing research partnerships, technology transfer initiatives, and investment opportunities that align with Louisiana's energy transition goals. A licensed professional engineer and geologist with more than 20 years of experience, he has worked extensively in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and project management across the Gulf Coast. Dr. Koban is active in several professional organizations, serving on the boards of the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Coast Builders Coalition, and the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association. Through his leadership, he continues to advance LSU's role as a hub for energy innovation and applied research.

Tim Johnson is president and founder of The TJC Group, a public affairs consulting firm specializing in stakeholder engagement and community relations for industrial clients across the United States. With more than 35 years of experience, Tim has helped establish over 60 Community Advisory Councils and Panels in eight states, facilitating thousands of meetings between industry representatives and local residents. Before founding The TJC Group, he 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. Tim also produced and hosted The Louisiana Business and Industry Show, a televised program reaching over 1.5 million households statewide. An alumnus of Louisiana State University, he is recognized nationally for his expertise in communication strategy, industry outreach, and stakeholder relations.

Shane Hilton oversees Cleco Power LLC, a regulated electric utility of Cleco Corporate Holding LLC, with nine generating assets, 13,000 miles of distribution circuits, and approximately 300,000 customers in Louisiana and parts of Mississippi.

Hilton assumed his current leadership role in February 2019. He began his career with Cleco in April 1989, holding numerous positions of leadership with increasing responsibilities, 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, Hilton led a project team that successfully transitioned Cleco's operating assets into the Midwest Independent System Operator (MISO) regional market which is comprised of utilities across 15 states from the Gulf Coast to Canada. In 2018, Hilton led the regulatory initiative to successfully purchase NRG's south central utility business. This was a $1 billion acquisition and the largest in Cleco's history, essentially doubling the company's size and footprint.

Hilton is a past board member of the Christus Cabrini Hospital Foundation and led various fund-raising efforts for the hospital's neo-natal intensive care unit for over 12 years. Hilton is a member of LABI, EEI, Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital Advisory Board, and various other utility working groups. He is currently chair-elect for the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce.

Hilton holds a degree in business administration from Louisiana State University of Alexandria and also completed various LSU executive courses including Leadership and Finance.

State Senator Bob Hensgens serves District 26, composed of Vermilion Parish and portions of Acadia, Lafayette, and St. Landry Parishes as well. He currently serves as chairman of the Senate Natural Resources Committee and is also a committee member on Senate Health and Welfare, Senate Retirement, Senate Environmental Quality, and the Select Committee on Coastal Restoration and Flood Protection.

Senator Hensgens was first elected to the legislature as a representative through a special election on April 30, 2011. He was elected to the senate in November 2018. He served as vice chairman of the House Committee on Health and Welfare. He also served on the committees of Appropriations, Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development and Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget. He is a member of the Louisiana Republican Legislative Delegation.

Senator Hensgens graduated from Vermilion Catholic High School and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. He built his own successful health care management business. He is a former mayor of the town of Gueydan, where he and his wife Nancy reside and are active members of St. Peter the Apostle Roman Catholic Church.

Chris Guidry is Government and Public Affairs Manager at OxyChem Corporation, where he leads corporate outreach, regulatory engagement, and industry partnerships throughout Louisiana's chemical sector. In his role, Chris works with policymakers, community leaders, and academic institutions to promote responsible industrial growth and workforce development. He is also a valued member of the Advisory Council for the LSU Center for Energy Studies, providing input on the Center's programs in energy economics, sustainability, and workforce readiness. With deep experience in corporate communications and community relations, Chris has established himself as a trusted liaison between industry and the public, helping strengthen Louisiana's leadership in energy and manufacturing.

Dr. Manfredo Dix is Chief Economist for the State of Louisiana in the Office of Planning and Budget, where he leads economic analysis and revenue forecasting for state leadership. In this capacity, he provides 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, Dr. Dix brings both academic and applied expertise to his work, including published research on financial regulation and moral hazard in economic policy. His rigorous analytical approach and steady guidance play an essential role in supporting evidence-based decision-making for state governance.

Representative Phillip R. DeVillier, the 70th Speaker of the Louisiana House of Representatives, was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives on October 26, 2015. During his time in the Legislature, he has served as chairman of the Retirement Committee, while also serving on Ways and Means, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Capital Outlay.

He is the owner of Louisiana Structural Movers, Inc. A native and resident of Eunice, La., Rep. DeVillier has a bachelor's degree in business management from LSU. He and his wife Lisa have three children.

Lauren George is U.S. Communities Manager at Elimini, where she leads initiatives focused on strengthening partnerships and fostering collaboration across municipal, educational, and nonprofit organizations. In her role, she works closely with public and private entities to develop innovative solutions that support sustainable community development. Lauren's expertise lies in project coordination, stakeholder engagement, and strategic growth, with an emphasis on improving efficiency and expanding opportunities within local economies. Her commitment to community advancement has made her a respected professional within Louisiana's public service and development networks.

Brandon Frey is Executive Secretary of the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC), a position he has held since 2018. In this role, he oversees the Commission's daily operations, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and public accountability across Louisiana's regulatory framework. Before his appointment as Executive Secretary, he served as the Commission's Executive Counsel, managing its Legal Division and providing strategic advice to commissioners on regulatory, legal, and administrative matters. Brandon earned his Juris Doctor from Louisiana State University's Paul M. Hebert Law Center and has built a reputation as a thoughtful leader with deep institutional knowledge of Louisiana's public service landscape. His leadership ensures the LPSC continues to serve the state's citizens and businesses with integrity and responsiveness.

Representative Brett F. Geymann serves as Louisiana State Representative for District 35, representing portions of Beauregard and Calcasieu Parishes, including parts of Lake Charles. First elected in 2004, he served until 2016 before returning to the legislature in 2021. Throughout his career, Representative Geymann has been recognized as a consistent advocate for fiscal discipline, education reform, and ethical governance. A graduate of McNeese State University with a Bachelor of Science degree, he has worked to strengthen Louisiana's financial management systems and improve transparency in government. His efforts to balance business growth with environmental stewardship have earned him recognition among colleagues and constituents alike. Beyond the legislature, Representative Geymann remains active in community initiatives and local education programs.