A Conversation With Pennsylvania’s “24/7 Propane Representative”

Can you briefly describe your history in the propane industry and your current position? 

I joined the propane industry in 2007 as the executive director for the Pennsylvania Propane Gas Association and the Pennsylvania Propane Foundation, coming from the Pennsylvania Manufactured Housing Association. I manage day-to-day operations and support all board functions, including facilitating meetings, ensuring policy compliance, aligning the work of our board and committees, fiscal management, governmental concerns, marketing, professional development, communications and public affairs for both the association and foundation. 

How do you view your role as a leader in such a public-facing industry association? 

As the adage goes, ‘Leadership is not about being in charge; it’s about taking care of those in your charge.’ I view my role as a 24/7 representative of the propane industry in Pennsylvania, a responsibility I do not take lightly. To me, leadership is about actions, attitude and approach with the ability to provide direction, inspire and guide our board and members toward shared goals by setting a clear vision and making informed decisions — ultimately advocating for the propane industry. 

What are you most proud of in your career (either in a past role or in your current role)? 

In my current role, I am most proud of the following: 

The association: I am proud of our Pennsylvania members and their association. With all the mergers and acquisitions, we have maintained our membership numbers and continually have new members joining. We have a fiscally responsible and engaged board of directors and committee chairs who I am privileged to be able to work alongside. 

Knowledge: I appreciate the propane knowledge I have acquired throughout the years, although there is still so much to learn — for example, I have no clue how to build a bulk plant, but I know the regulations in Pennsylvania required to do so. 

Friendships: I am thankful for the friends in the industry and am particularly grateful for those friends who have turned into family. How would you spend an unexpected day off? My top choice would be to spend the day with my husband with our family (particularly our kids and grandchildren) or friends. An impromptu day trip somewhere new is always a fun adventure. 

What’s the most interesting area of the propane industry right now? 

The new Education Program [from the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC)] that trains the necessary skills for specific jobs, ensuring employees can focus on learning the information they truly need. While our association will continue to offer in-person training classes, PERC’s online Learning Center is always available and at no cost. Another area of interest is our environmental messaging. We need to continue to advocate the positive impact propane affords. 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? 

I have two pieces of advice I have received and carry with me: If a task seems huge and overwhelming, do not look at it as one big piece. Break it into smaller tasks and prioritize it in order of importance. Be kind. Always. 

What changes do you hope to happen in the next few years? 

While I confess to not (yet) having a lot of knowledge on renewable propane, and I am not even sure this is feasible (especially from a marketer and infrastructure standpoint), it would be exciting to offer a choice of propane. Having the option of ‘regular’ or ‘renewable’ propane may help us cater to the environmentally conscience consumer who may not have considered propane as their energy source. Historically, in Pennsylvania, propane has not automatically been included, whether it is a piece of (positive) legislation or a general energy conversation. Due to the diligent work of our dedicated members, we now have a seat at the table, allowing us to provide input. My hope is to continue to build and expand our relationships to keep propane in the conversation. I also hope we continue to promote propane autogas vehicles with more accessible infrastructure. My one last hope (or wish) is it would be well known that propane, despite being a fossil fuel, is a valuable player in the evolving energy landscape due to its affordability, versatility and clean burning nature. 

What’s your favorite part of the workday? 

Accomplishing a challenging task, solving or answering questions members or consumers may have or simply interacting with our members and board. 

What do you do to unwind after a day of work? 

Since most of my workday is spent multitasking several projects, I find it difficult to just relax. I enjoy listening to a good true crime or scandal podcast while cooking, exercising or if I am out and about. 

If you were to start a new hobby, what would it be? 

I have struggled with this question since I became a ‘soccer mom alumni.’ I recently planted my first garden and quickly found out I have a lot to learn before I become an official farmer.