PINEVILLE, La. - Cleco Corporate Holdings LLC (Cleco) today announced changes to its management team. 

Terry Taylor, who is currently Cleco's controller, chief accounting officer and interim chief financial officer, will become chief financial officer.

Jeff Baudier will join Cleco as chief corporate development officer. Baudier was recently a partner with Phelps Dunbar LLP in Baton Rouge.

Tonita Laprarie, who is currently general manager of internal audit and risk management, will become controller and chief accounting officer.

"Since our transaction closed in April, we have been fine tuning our leadership team by providing growth opportunities to existing employees and now, complementing our current experience with outside talent," said Darren Olagues, president and CEO of Cleco. "These management changes will support transactional activities needed to strengthen the business growth of our regulated utility and will ensure we continue operations with the financial discipline Cleco has shown throughout the years. Jeff brings a unique blend of business and legal experience that will help drive future growth for our utility. Terry and Tonita will continue to offer strong financial guidance as we plan to execute a strategy that will benefit our communities and our company."

Baudier, 48, has served as president and CEO of Petra Nova LLC, an NRG company and in various capacities within NRG Energy, Inc, including senior vice president, regional president and general counsel, south central region. Prior to joining NRG, Baudier practiced law in the energy sector for 12 years.

Taylor, 61, has held the position of controller and CAO since November 2011.Taylor began her career at Cleco in 2000 as director of affiliate compliance. Prior to joining Cleco, Taylor served in various accounting positions of increasing responsibilities at American Electric Power Company, formerly Central and South West Corporation, for over 15 years.

Laprarie, 51, joined Cleco in 2000 and has served as general manager of internal audit and North American Electric Reliability Corporation compliance and other accounting and audit positions of increasing responsibilities. Prior to joining Cleco, Laprarie worked in the banking industry. Laprarie is a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor and Certified Fraud Examiner. 

These changes were effective July 2.