2025 LP Gas Rising Leaders discover the right opportunity

They all have a story to tell – about who they are and from where they started to become the propane industry leaders of today.

Three propane retailers, an engineer and two directors – one overseeing a trading team and the other the creative design aspects of a technology-driven company – make up the 2025 LP Gas Rising Leaders.

The Rising Leaders initiative, launched in 2017, recognizes the propane industry’s best and brightest young leaders of today and shares their visions for the future. They are chosen by the LP Gas editorial team following a nomination process.

Here’s a look at this year’s group, with a Q&A with each individual to follow:

Reagan Bonnette of Stringer Oil & LP Gas was looking for a chance to get back on her feet when she joined the family business after losing her job at a magazine. Fifteen years later, she’s leading the South Carolina-based company as president. Read her full profile here.

Scott Dougherty of Superior Energy Systems worked from the bottom up at the Cleveland-area company. His career began at the age of 16, filling propane bottles and working in the fabrication shop. Today, Dougherty is playing an integral role as a sales engineer. Read his full profile here.

Brian Green of Green’s Blue Flame Gas, like Bonnette, had a conversation with his dad about joining the family business. Green was frustrated in his prior job as an oil and gas engineer and felt a fresh start could help him see the big picture of his work. He’s now president of the Houston-based propane retailer, driving its growth strategy and working to recruit top talent. Read his full profile here.

Tyler Kelly of CHS Inc. entered the propane industry at the end of the infamous polar vortex winter of 2013-14. He initially undertook roles in propane rail merchandising, trading, and supply and logistics, and learned from mentors at CHS and throughout the industry. He now serves as the director of trading for the Minnesota-based cooperative. Read his full profile here.

Evan Meier of Destwin entered the propane industry after an honest answer to a job interview question opened a new door for her. Going to work for a fuel dealer at the time was all the motivation she needed to learn every nuance of an industry she’s grown to love. The knowledge she gained from those early experiences serves her well today as the director of design for the Illinois-based technology provider. Read her full profile here.

Kristen Williams of Thermotane Propane transitioned from the sporting goods industry to a career helping customers with their energy needs. Nearly a decade of propane industry experience in a variety of roles led her to become COO of the Florida retailer. Read her full profile here.

Nominate a future Rising Leader

• Rising Leaders are chosen through a nomination process. To nominate a Rising Leader, visit lpgasmagazine.com/lp-gas-rising-leaders.
• Rising Leaders must be 39 years old or younger during the nomination period, which runs from Jan. 1 to Oct. 31. LP Gas honors the industry’s Rising Leaders annually in the magazine.
• Contact Brian Richesson, editor in chief, with questions about the Rising Leaders: brichesson@northcoastmedia.net or 216-706-3748.