Mower Equipment
NPGA hosted its Annual & Board of Directors Meetings and Propane Days in Washington, DC June 7-9, 2026. Business at the meeting included Committee and Section meetings; policy and supply discussions; and guest speakers presenting on a variety on timely topics, including featured guest speaker The Honorable Laura V. Swett, Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Attendees enjoyed several social events and outgoing Chair Michael Hopsicker passed the gavel to new Chair DD Alexander.
Thank you for the opportunity to represent you.
Sincerely,
Kara Tucker
Koppy’s Propane
Here are some of the key updates from the meetings:
Presidential Forum
The Presidential Forum is an exclusive meeting for State Association Presidents, Chairs, and State Association Executives. Attendees engaged in discussions about the state of the industry and specific challenges facing their associations and propane businesses.
Keynote Discussion: FERC Chairman
NPGA hosted a keynote discussion with the Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the Honorable Laura V. Swett. NPGA President & CEO, Steve Kaminski, discussed numerous issues with Chairman Swett, ranging from just and reasonable pipeline rates to the FERC 5-Year pipeline index to FERC’s new Oil Pipeline Task Force. Chairman Swett also fielded numerous questions from NPGA membership.
Marketers’ Meeting
Chair Steve Farkas welcomed incoming Vice Chair Kimberly Saxton to her new position.
NPGA President & CEO, Steve Kaminski, hosted a fireside chat with Dan Mustico, SVP of Government & Market Affairs at the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). OPEI represents the nation’s outdoor power equipment industry, e.g., manufacturers of applications including commercial mowers, weed burners, towable aerators, pressure washers, and concrete grinders. Kaminski and Mustico engaged in a robust conversation around OPEI’s work in government affairs and how it aligns with NPGA’s policy initiatives and advocacy priorities, as well as discussion about propane-powered product development and market growth.
The Marketers Section held regional district breakout meetings where they discussed challenges and opportunities in their districts. NPGA will email district summaries to the Marketers Section members.
Tucker Perkins, CEO of PERC, provided his annual update.
Steven Dyke, NPGA Manager of Federal Legislative Affairs, held a fireside chat with Colin Witman, Senior Legislative Assistant for Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23), where they discussed the Energy Choice Act and the current dynamics on Capitol Hill.
Christopher Wagner, Vice President of Codes, Standards and Safety held a fireside chat with Heather Voorman, AVP, Government Affairs of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). They discussed organizational and member synergies and encouraged state and regional associations or members to seek associate member status for better grass roots advocacy partnership in improving home affordability. NAHB members held their Capitol Day one day after ours and agreed to double down on the Energy Choice Act advocacy efforts started by NPGA. NAHB strongly supports the Energy Choice Act, legislation that protects consumers’ ability to choose the most affordable, reliable, and practical energy options for their homes citing that gas appliances can save consumers up to $12,000 over 15 years compared to all-electric homes.
Propane Days – Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill
Attendees enjoyed a plated breakfast sponsored by Worthington Enterprises. Michael Baker, NPGA’s SVP and Chief Legislative Officer, and Steven Dyke and Lauren Medlin, NPGA’s Managers of Legislative Affairs, kicked off NPGA’s Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill by providing a comprehensive legislative briefing outlining the association’s top priorities, including LIHEAP and the Energy Choice Act. Throughout the day, nearly 250 NPGA members and staff engaged in meetings with over 275 Congressional offices across both the House and Senate. The day concluded with a Congressional reception at the Rayburn House Office Building Cafeteria, where NPGA members and staff welcomed lawmakers and their teams.
PropanePAC
PropanePAC hosted a private reception at Capitol View at 400 to recognize its donors. Guests enjoyed iconic views of the U.S. Capitol while enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.
PropanePAC Steering Committee Chair, Andrew Vogl of Ray Murray Energy Inc., announced that the PropanePAC is on track to meet its 2026 goal for both the PAC and Administrative Fund and recognized the individuals in the different PropanePAC giving clubs.
The PropanePAC also hosted Scott Tranter from Decision Desk HQ for Propane, Politics, and Coffee. Scott led an engaging conversation on the current outlook of the 2026 midterms, analyzing the most competitive and high-profile races across the country in both the House and Senate and how they will impact control of Congress. Sponsored by Superior Plus Propane, this session welcomed nearly 250 attendees.
NPGF Scholarship Program
The NPGF Scholarship Committee met to discuss committee business. Highlights include:
- NPGF this year awarded 118 scholarships for a total of $183,000 – highest dollar amount to date.
- Transcripts newsletter is online and lists all the 2026 recipients and other committee news.
- As of June 8, the Corporate Partners Campaign has raised $16,050. There is still time to contribute to this annual appeal.
- The Golf Tournament on April 18, 2026 raised just over $79,000. Plans are already underway for next year’s tournament to be held on Saturday, April 3, 2027 in conjunction with Expo in Nashville.
- The next application cycle opens on December 15, 2026 – mark your calendars!
Awards and Citations
State Director of the Year
Jim Blake received the State Director of the Year Award. Jim currently serves as the Rhode Island State Director. He is a staunch advocate for the industry, shares his expertise widely, helps members navigate agency challenges, and provides mentorship to others on compliance and legislative matters. Jim has been with Eastern Propane and Oil for over 35 years.
NPGA Safety Award
Exosent Engineering received the NPGA Safety Award for its exceptional contribution to advancing safety in the propane and bulk transport industry. Exosent designs and builds low center of gravity transport and bobtail tanks that are 30% more stable, translating to reduced roll-over potential. President UV Doran accepted the award on behalf of his team at Exosent.
NPGA Distinguished Service Award
The Distinguished Service Award is NPGA’s highest honor and is awarded to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to NPGA and the propane industry. This award is not bestowed lightly; in fact, it has been eight years since the last recipient. Denis Gagne, Chair of the Distinguished Service Award Committee, presented this prestigious award to Gary France.
Gary has been active in the propane industry since 1964 and owns France Propane Services in Wisconsin. He has been a member of WPGA and its Board of Directors for decades. Gary also served as NPGA Board Chair 2013-14 and in numerous other roles at NPGA over the course of his long career. Cheryl Lytle, WPGA State Director, nominated Gary and had this to say about him: “He has played a pivotal role in guiding the association’s policy strategy, fostering productive relationships with State regulators and legislators, and evaluating industry awareness on issues affecting safety, supply, and operational standards. His thoughtful, solutions-focused approach has helped build a more resilient and collaborative propane community across the state.”
Six individuals received Chair Citations:
- Dan Richardson, Conger LP Gas
- Thomas Knauff, EDP
- Rick Cummings, III, Mulhern Gas Company, Inc.
- Kim Godlewski, IPS Equipment, Inc.
- Jennifer Jackson, AmeriGas Propane LP
- Ben Nussdorf, NPGA
Outgoing Chair Awards:
- Mike Hopsicker received a plaque with gavel and two special pieces from glass artist Simon Pearce. For her service, Laurie Hopsicker received a gift certificate to Delmonico’s Restaurant in Syracuse, NY.
- Denis Gagne chaired the Distinguished Service Award Committee for the past year and received an Outgoing Committee Chair Award.
- Heather Granzin chaired the Propane Supply & Logistics Committee for the past three years and received Outgoing Committee Chair Award.
- Judy Taranovich co-chaired the Membership Services Committee for the past two years and received an Outgoing Committee Chair Award.
- Whitney O’Toole chaired the Women in Propane Council for the past year and a half and received an Outgoing Committee Chair Award.
New Officers and Directors (as of June 8, 2026)
Ray Galan, Ferrellgas, Treasurer
Taylor Alexander, Global Gas, Director-at-Large
Cassandra Barry, Ray Murray, Inc., Director-at Large
John Cocarus, Palmer Gas & Oil, Maine State Director
Alan Dorr, Dead River Company, Vermont State Director
Jeff Hopsicker, Ray Murray, Inc. Director-at-Large
Pat Malara, Western Cascade, District 1 Director
Josh Brewer, Hubbell, Manufacturers Section Director
UV Doron, Exosent Engineering, Manufacturers Section Director
Lisa Gerwitz, Thompson Energy Insurance Services, Services Section Director
Peter Ostman, Arrowhead LP Gas, Alaska Director
Dillan Owens, Owens Energy, Inc., Arizona Director
Liam Breen, Lewiston Propane, Montana Director
David DeBolt, AmeriGas Propane LP, South Dakota Director
David Collett, Gas and Supply, Texas Director
Mark Dettloff, ThompsonGas, LLC, Washington Director