Propane Personality: NPGA’s Eric Sears

September 16, 2019 By    
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Sears

EDUCATION

Ohio State University
Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology
Class of 1999

WORK EXPERIENCE

2018-Present
National Propane Gas Association
State Engagement Program Manager – State Association Relations

2003-18
Auxier Gas
⦁ Customer Relations Representative

1999-2003
Boy Scouts of America
⦁ District Executive, Cincinnati


“When I started at Auxier Gas, Doug Auxier was chairman of NPGA, and I met many of the staff, Executive Committee and Rick Roldan during his time. As part of my responsibilities at Auxier Gas, I was involved with the Ohio Propane Gas Association (OPGA). I was encouraged and interested in the Marketers Management Forum – now known as the Benchmarking Council – and I joined ‘Group F,’ eventually volunteering for the council’s Steering Committee.”

Working on the state level

  • Build relationships with the members and executives of the state and regional propane associations.
  • Provide resources and experience to the states and NPGA.

Transitioning to the NPGA

“Just before joining NPGA, I was the secretary of the OPGA and its autogas chairman. With OPGA becoming more involved in its statehouse, VW settlement and Clean Fuels Ohio, I found the transition to NPGA to be a natural fit for me.”

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Eric Sears, right, at Propane Days 2018 in Washington, D.C. Photo by Brian Richesson

HOBBIES

“My family is my hobby. We spend a lot of time traveling with my stepdaughter to softball practice, tournaments and other school activities. My 5-year-old son is also involved in tee-ball for his second year, and when I am not working, we enjoy sword fighting, fighting off zombie attacks or playing UNO. I have also recently started becoming more interested in learning about and tasting bourbon, since many distilleries are located close to my home.”

“NPGA is always working to provide resources to help the states. In 2019, we have seen a tremendous amount of policy decisions made at the state level, especially involving decarbonization and the threat of eliminating fossil fuel infrastructure, with the federal government essentially
in gridlock.”

Propane Days 2019

“Propane Days 2019 was exciting for me as I saw it from the staff side and how much work goes into making the event such a success. I thoroughly enjoy working with the other staff at NPGA, and we already have a strong bond. Being part of the team to make the event a success was amazing, from providing support at the Schwan’s ice cream truck to meeting first timers at Propane Days and speaking with Steve Chabot (R-OH). It was a great experience.”

“Working with state associations is extremely important for propane retailers as it provides a stronger force at their state capitol and helps the industry as a whole by pooling knowledge and experience.”

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About the Author:

Joe McCarthy was an associate editor at LP Gas Magazine.

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