Houston (Sept. 12, 2025) — Cetane Associates announced the retirement of Nancy Coop from Cetane and the propane industry at the end of this year. Throughout her career, Nancy has made a significant impact on the industry, on Cetane and on the many colleagues who have had the privilege of working with her. Her kindness, dedication and vision have shaped not only Cetane, but the propane community as a whole.
Nancy’s propane career has been defined by leadership, innovation and advocacy. She was the founding chair of the National Propane Gas Association's Women in Propane business council, creating a collaborative environment for men and women across the propane industry. Her career spans owning and leading her family’s bobtail manufacturing company, executive roles with major propane marketers and longstanding volunteer service with both the National Propane Gas Association and the Western Propane Gas Association. In 2022, Nancy was honored as the first woman inducted into the LP Gas Hall of Fame. Since joining Cetane six years ago, Nancy has been widely admired for her positivity and relentless drive to improve. She has created an environment that focuses on teamwork and family, while always looking for ways to make things better and inspiring everyone around her to strive for excellence. She helped shape Cetane into the company that it is today.
Barrett Conway, managing director and principal of Cetane, commented, “Nancy’s leadership and energy have left an indelible mark on Cetane and the propane industry. She has been a mentor, a trailblazer and a true friend to so many of us. Her vision and passion have helped build the collaborative and people-centered culture that defines our company today. It has been a great pleasure getting to team up with Nancy on all of Cetane’s marketing endeavors. We are grateful for her countless contributions and wish her and Tuck nothing but happiness in this next chapter of life.”
Steve Abbate, managing director of Cetane, added, “From the first time I met and spoke with Nancy Coop, she demonstrated her knowledge of the industry and her integrity as a person. When I heard she might be available for employment, I had no idea what she would do for us, but I just knew she needed to be on our team. She did her homework on us, we met and she came on board, and neither of us ever looked back. Her contributions to our company and to the propane industry are too numerous to list. I have been enriched by the friendship I developed with both Nancy and her family. All the best in your retirement!”
Nancy said, “Cetane is the kind of place you want to be a part of as long as possible. It is not easy to say goodbye to the wonderful group here or to my long-term terrific friends in the propane industry. Twenty years ago, I stepped into my dad’s shoes at JARCO. At the end of this year, I’ll retire with gratitude and pride for a late-in-life career that brought me joy. I will add a special shout-out to the women and men in the industry who boldly forged the Women in Propane Council to support the industry’s future success.”
