Senior vice president among 2011 “Champions of Diversity”

PINEVILLE, La. – Jeff Hall, Cleco Corp. senior vice president of governmental relations and chief diversity officer, has been selected to receive the Champions of Diversity award from DiversityBusiness.com., the nation’s leading multicultural business Web site.

The Champions of Diversity Award is given to individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to diversity solutions on a regional and national level. The honorees are recognized for their outstanding achievements in diversity initiatives related to employment, procurement, housing and education.

Hall, a 30-year veteran of Cleco Corp., is part of an informal network of diversity officers at utilities and other U.S. companies. Together, the group members collaborate and share ideas regarding the advancement of diversity initiatives. Hall has led Cleco’s diversity efforts for five years as the company’s chief diversity officer.

“Jeff is the perfect person to lead our diversity program at Cleco,” said Mike Madison, Cleco Corp. president and CEO. “He’s a natural at bringing people together, and is sensitive to the needs of both our employees and our customers. He deserves this award.”

Hall has been invited to speak on diversity issues at conferences across the country. He recently spoke on the subject of diversity best practices at energy organizations at the American Association of Blacks in Energy conference in Los Angeles. He also spoke about new legislation and its effect on low-income families at the 2009 National Energy and Utility Affordability conference and the 2010 Edison Electric Institute Members Low-income Best Practices Workshop.

“I am honored by this recognition,” said Hall. “My years of working in business and with community and civic organizations have taught me that diversity is an important key to success. At Cleco, we embrace diversity among our employees, customers and suppliers.”

The 2011 Champions of Diversity will be honored at a special awards ceremony in April during DiversityBusiness.com’s annual Multicultural Business Conference in Washington D. C.