Former Louisiana Speaker of the House Chuck Kleckley brings over 15 years of experience in local and state government. Currently, he is Partner at The Picard Group.
In 2005, he was elected as State Representative for District 36 in a special election and served in this role for 11 years. From 2012 through 2016, Kleckley served as the 67th Speaker of the Louisiana House of Representatives – the first speaker from Calcasieu Parish. As Speaker, he was deeply involved in the state budget process, reviewing and approving subcommittees’ outcomes.
During his tenure in the Louisiana House of Representatives, Kleckley served as Chairman of the House Insurance Committee. He served on over 43 different legislative committees during his tenure in the House of Representatives. He was a champion for road improvements in southwest Louisiana and worked to improve the transportation system, including having an active role in the $80 million Cove Lane Interchange Project. Kleckley was a champion for higher education and authored the WISE Fund in 2014. He worked to improve Louisiana’s insurance and business climate, protect healthcare funding, and focused on Louisiana’s coastal issues from natural resources to conservation. He was a strong supporter for McNeese State University and southwest Louisiana and advocated for a new Health and Human Performance Education Complex at McNeese University – a $40 million dollar project that provided expanded educational opportunities to the students of McNeese University. In 2016, because of term limits after serving three terms, Kleckley retired from politics to work in governmental affairs and lobbying services, representing clients in gaming, healthcare, and local government industries.
During his legislative career, Kleckley received several recognitions including The Louisiana Distinguished Civilian Service Medal, Louisiana State Troopers Association Legislator of the Year, Honorary Colonel of the Louisiana State Police, and was named McNeese Alumnus of the Year in 2018. Prior to serving as State Representative, he served on the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury from 2000-2005. In 2003, he served as its president. Additionally, he has experience as a small business owner and real estate developer in Southwest Louisiana. Kleckley is involved in several different nonprofit organizations in SWLA, but his passion is McNeese State University and supporting the university in any way possible. In May 2023, Kleckley was conferred an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree during the McNeese State University Spring 2023 commencement ceremony.
A native of Lake Charles, Kleckley graduated from LaGrange High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from McNeese State University. He currently resides in Lake Charles with his wife, Laurie, and has three children and seven grandchildren.
