Paul Rainwater
senior consultant, Cornerstone Government Affairs - principal, rainwater consulting
Paul W. Rainwater most recently held the title as Governor Jindal’s Chief of Staff. He resigned in February of 2014 to pursue a career in the private sector and shortly thereafter joined Cornerstone Government Affairs.
Prior to his latest position, Paul held the title of Commissioner of Administration. Before that, he served as Governor Jindal’s deputy chief of staff. Prior to that, he served as executive director of the Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA). Previously, Paul served as legislative director and chief of operations for U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu. From June 2006 to January 2007, he served as director of hazard mitigation and intergovernmental affairs at the LRA, where he managed program policies, served as team leader and coordinated with state and federal agencies to set mitigation priorities. From July 2000 to June 2006, Paul served as the chief administrative officer for the City of Lake Charles.
Paul also formerly served as manager of governmental affairs for Conoco, Inc., Gulf Coast Business Unit in Baton Rouge from 1998 to July 2000; as manager of public affairs for ARCO Chemical in Lake Charles from 1995 to May 1998; and as administrative aide to the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury in Lake Charles from 1988 to 1996.
In addition to his public service duties, Paul also serves as a colonel with the Louisiana Army National Guard in the Joint Director of Military Support for Disaster Response Unit. He previously served as a lieutenant colonel in the Congressional Liaison Office of the Louisiana Army National Guard and as a lieutenant colonel in the United States Army Reserves’ 336th Finance Command. For his military service, Paul has been awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal and the Combat Action Badge.
Paul earned a bachelor’s degree in government from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, a master’s degree in international relations from Salve Regina University in Rhode Island, and is certified as a local government manager by Louisiana State University.
Why did you join the CPEX board?
I joined the CPEX board because it allows me the opportunity to continue to work in the field of planning, which I really enjoy.
Why is the work that CPEX does so important?
CPEX empowers communities providing them with the opportunity to thoughtfully plan for their future, and CPEX’s work with state agencies has been unlike anything in the country.
What CPEX project are you most proud of?
I am particularly proud of CPEX’s involvement in the recovery efforts following the 2016 flood, Hurricane Laura, and the Southwest delta region. These projects have been transformative.
What changes would you like to see in your community in the next five years?
In the next five years, I hope to see the completion of several key transportation projects.
Sydney Young
OPERATIONS AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANT
Serving as the Operations and Technical Assistant at CPEX, Sydney is a versatile professional with over a decade of experience serving the community. Her dedication to making a positive impact shines through her work at CPEX, where she adeptly manages a wide array of responsibilities. She streamlines daily operations, manages correspondence, and ensures efficient communication flow, all while providing technical expertise to address IT-related issues. Additionally, as a DEI-certified professional, Sydney is committed to championing an inclusive workplace environment. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology at Tulane University, Sydney is devoted to continuous learning and expanding her skillset.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Sydney cherishes spending quality time with her husband and three beloved daughters, creating lasting memories. She also enjoys expressing her creativity through photography and interior design.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED FOR CPEX?
I’ve been with CPEX for two years.
HOW DOES YOUR JOB FIT INTO THE CPEX MISSION?
I ensure smooth daily operations and provide technical support which allows the rest of the CPEX staff to focus on providing the best possible planning guidance and assistance to communities across Louisiana. It's a dynamic role that keeps me on my toes and allows me to contribute to CPEX's awesome mission of building a better Louisiana.
WHAT DOES YOUR JOB ENTAIL?
My role as Operations and Technical Assistant entails a wide array of responsibilities which include managing day-to-day office operations, providing technical support for IT systems, overseeing facility maintenance and vendor contracts, and fostering a positive and engaging workplace for employees.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
The most rewarding aspect of my job is the opportunity to apply my expertise to resolve intricate challenges. The analytical process of dissecting a problem, uncovering its underlying causes, and devising effective solutions is intellectually engaging and deeply satisfying, particularly because I know my work contributes to tangible positive outcomes.
WHAT IS THE BEST CAREER LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED SO FAR?
The most invaluable career lesson I've learned is that true growth and opportunity often lie beyond the familiar boundaries of our comfort zones. While it can be daunting to venture into uncharted territory, taking calculated risks has consistently propelled my career forward.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN YOU AREN’T WORKING?
When I'm not working, I like to spend the money that I made working. LOL
WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR WHAT PLANNING CAN ACCOMPLISH IN LOUISIANA?
As a Black woman raised in Louisiana, I've witnessed firsthand the deep-rooted inequities that have long afflicted my community. However, I firmly believe that planning, when centered on equity, holds the power to reshape our state's future. By intentionally prioritizing equity in every facet of the planning process, Louisiana can begin to dismantle the systemic barriers that have disproportionately harmed Louisianans for generations.
IF THERE WAS A NEWS STORY ABOUT YOU, WHAT WOULD BE THE HEADLINE?
Tech Diva Solves Global Warming Crisis... with a Solar-Powered Dance Party!
THREE WORDS TO BEST DESCRIBE YOU:
Nurturing, industrious, and lighthearted.
Solar Development Toolkit
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
CPEX, in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), developed a Model Solar Toolkit to provide municipalities with a comprehensive resource to guide solar energy investments. By offering land use planning guidance, model policy language, and best practices, this toolkit empowers local governments to plan and implement solar projects effectively, addressing the need for thoughtful land use planning and ensuring that solar developments are compatible with community values and local character. It offers an overview of solar energy systems, land use considerations, and regulatory frameworks, helping local officials navigate the complexities of solar energy planning.
PROJECT GOAL:
The goals of the project were to:
Ensure all perspectives were part of the effort to identify balanced solutions to land use questions facing solar development in Louisiana;
Educate communities on the fundamentals of various solar energy systems and the development process associated with them;
Outline various issues for jurisdictions to consider when making decisions about local land use control for solar energy systems; and
Provide model regulatory language that can be tailored by a community to best meet individual community objectives.
WHY IS THIS PROJECT SO IMPORTANT?
There is no doubt that solar energy is going to be a growing part of our energy ecosystem to help diversify the power grid and build a more resilient and sustainable Louisiana. To continue thoughtfully weaving renewable energy sources into and throughout our communities requires careful planning and thoughtful regulations. This Toolkit provides planning guidance and model policy language to help local governments and decision makers navigate key issues, plan, and implement solar energy systems at each of three scales—residential, community, and industrial—to fit within the context of community vision, character, and existing and future land uses at a time when it is of pressing importance.
WHAT WAS CPEX’S FAVORITE PART OF THIS PROJECT?
Early feedback on the project is that it is filling a much-needed void for communities and providing them clear and balanced guidance to address pressing questions and issues facing their communities related to solar development. Being able to provide technical assistance and meet the needs of communities across Louisiana is at the core of what makes CPEX tick. Hearing feedback from across the state illustrating how that mission is being met in one of our projects is rewarding.
WHAT HAS CPEX LEARNED WHILE WORKING ON THIS PROJECT?
Solar energy development is a complex and multifaceted issue. CPEX’s initial approach strove to create a model ordinance that focused solely on development regulations. However, as CPEX began to research and unpack this issue, it became clear that added time was necessary in order to give the full weight the various perspectives necessary to crafting this product. Consequently, the effort evolved from drafting a simple set of model regulations into applying the tenets of solid land use planning to solar development in order to guide communities through a more holistic process.