NPGA and PERC Welcome New Leadership

Kevin Boland has been named communications director for the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA; Washington, D.C.). Most recently, he worked on Capitol Hill as communications director for Congresswoman Kay Granger (R-Texas) in the 115th Congress, handling her congressional and defense appropriations media portfolio. Boland had also been a member of Speaker John Boehner’s (R-Ohio) staff, serving in a variety of roles that included special assistant to the speaker, assistant communications director, and assistant press secretary. This followed his time as a senior associate at the Glover Park Group, a public relations and government affairs firm headquartered in D.C.

Michael Newland was welcomed as the new director of agriculture business development at the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) with the promotion of Cinch Munson to senior vice president for business development. Newland brings more than 20 years of experience in sales, sales and project management, and brand development in the agriculture marketing. Munson will oversee business development for PERC across all propane markets, while Newland will take the lead in the agriculture sector.

Most recently, Newland served as national sales manager fro business development at AgYield, a full-service revenue management company for growers based in Illinois. Prior to AgYield, he was vice president of sales and operations for the Midwest USA Division of MagGrow, and he worked as the director of field operations and national agronomist for Wilton Agriculture Strategies.

“I’ve worked in the ag industry nearly my entire life, and now I’m excited to be a part of PERC’s mission to show people in the industry ow propane can benefit them,” Newland said. “I’m looking forward to working with manufacturers to develop new uses for propane and new markets within the agriculture industry. There are a lot of great things happening in agriculture that propane can be a part of, and the possibilities for new technologies in this market are limitless,.”

PERC also welcomes Tina Wilson as its senior vice president in charge of communications. Wilson will oversee the integrated communications and marketing strategy, which includes the Propane Can Do That campaign, industry communications, public relations and thought leadership. PERC President and CEO Tucker Perkins made the announcement today.

“Tina arrives at PERC at an exciting time, as we launch the new propane.com and unify our consumer education programs under the Propane Can Do That banner,” Perkins said. “She brings a very diverse and strong background in communications, marketing, media relations, community engagement and public relations.”
For the last 12 years, Wilson worked on global corporate citizenship communications and external outreach initiatives at IBM. She focused on raising brand awareness and promoting stories nationally about the impact of IBM’s corporate citizenship initiatives.

Before working at IBM, Wilson had her own agency where she worked with a variety of national clients, including the American Kennel Club, Panera Bread, and homebuilder Toll Brothers. She previously worked as the director of media relations for the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Raleigh, N.C. She has served as the press secretary for the office of the lieutenant governor of North Carolina, and as a reporter and producer for WSOC and WTVD television stations in Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham, respectively.

“I recently met with Tina after PERC asked her to come on board in this position,” said John Jessup, president of the North Carolina Propane Gas Association. “I was impressed with her questions focused on how PERC can better serve and bring value to the propane industry. As a native of North Carolina, I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with her.”

Named a top woman in business by Triangle Business Journal, Wilson was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by the North Carolina governor, the state’s highest civilian award for service. Wilson has a bachelor’s degree in marketing and business administration management from Appalachian State University. She lives in Apex, N.C.

“I am excited to be a part of the PERC leadership team,” Wilson said. “For the next couple of months, I want to listen and learn how PERC can best serve the propane industry. I will be reaching out to the industry and invite you to get in touch with me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 984-233-1276.