Cynthia brings decades of public sector experience and a long track record of delivering results on major civic projects. As senior associate at Connick & Associates, she helps clients move complex initiatives forward by building strong partnerships, shaping effective strategies, and working across agencies and jurisdictions to find practical solutions. 

For 30 years, she served as CEO of the New Orleans Building Corporation (NOBC), overseeing several public-private projects that helped reshape downtown New Orleans — including Harrah’s/Caesars Casino, the restoration of the Saenger Theater, and the development of the Four Seasons Hotel. Under her leadership, NOBC returned over $400 million to the City of New Orleans from these and other revenue-generating projects and assets.  

She also led complex negotiations between the City of New Orleans and the State of Louisiana to exchange downtown properties, giving the State control of key areas near the Superdome ahead of Super Bowl LIX and creating a long-sought opportunity for the City to redevelop Duncan Plaza. 

Prior to that role, she served as director of the New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits, led the City Business Center, and managed multi-million-dollar urban development programs. She began her public service in state government as a legislative aide in the Louisiana House of Representatives and has built a reputation for navigating complex processes with a steady, solution-focused approach. 

In 2020, the Bureau of Governmental Research honored her with its Lifetime Achievement Award. She holds a B.A. in political science from Loyola University New Orleans and remains a trusted partner to clients pursuing policy change, capital development, and cross-sector collaboration.