Propane Personality: Krysta Wanner

Krysta Wanner

Director of Government Affairs, Western Propane Gas Association (WPGA)

Education

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a Pre-Law Concentration

San Diego State University

Master of Public Administration

Work Experience

May 2024-Present

Director of Government Affairs, WPGA

November 2022-May 2024

Manager of Government Affairs, WPGA

Note: Prior to joining the propane industry, Wanner held various roles in government.

Growing up on propane

Prior to attending college, Wanner worked for Thornton’s Gas, where she conducted tasks like sanding and painting propane tanks.

“I grew up on propane. I remember when the power would go out when I was a kid, Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) wouldn’t restore electricity for days in our small, rural community. I was always grateful we could heat up a can of soup on our propane stove.”

Joining the WPGA

Fast forward to November 2022. A few months beforehand, Wanner asked WPGA President and CEO Colin Sueyres for a letter of recommendation concerning her master’s program. She had known him for a few years, as they previously worked together at the California State Capitol.

“He asked me to consider applying for an open position (as manager of government affairs) at the association, and the rest is history.”

Government experience

Since accepting WPGA’s offer, Wanner has fully used the knowledge she’s acquired in government. For example, she regularly analyzes legislation and regulations and educates decision-makers on climate and energy policy. Additionally, she writes position letters to government agencies on behalf of the WPGA.

“I also engage frequently with our members and run our monthly Governmental Affairs Committee meetings.”

Fostering support

Wanner works to overcome issues related to the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) anti-propane policies. But, with CARB’s relative quietness this year, she’s been spending most of her time building relationships with state legislators instead. She’s been fostering support for WPGA’s sponsored legislation, Assembly Bill 852, regarding propane space and water heater usage protection.

Working in a trendsetting state

As a California native with experience in the state legislature, Wanner knows that the propane industry is an energy minority in the Golden State. However, she also understands how to properly navigate this issue. In particular, she strives to determine what the propane industry can gain while leveraging her relationships to acquire what it needs.

“California is a trendsetter. Everything that starts in California spreads elsewhere, so it’s important to prevent issues at their origins whenever possible.”

Celebrating ACR 15

According to Wanner, WPGA’s most recent success is the passage of Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR) 15: California Propane Day, which was authored by Assemblyman Juan Alanis. Sponsored by WPGA, ACR 15 recognized the California propane industry’s value by declaring April 15, 2025, as California Propane Day. Co-authored by 57 assemblymembers, it passed with unanimous support.

A newfound passion

Government was Wanner’s first passion, as she’s served in various capacities – from working for Assembly Minority Leader James Gallagher to being a legislative analyst for former state Sen. Jim Nielsen. But since joining the propane industry, she’s had a newfound passion: serving WPGA members.

“My members are some of the most hard-working, honest people I have ever had the pleasure of working with. It is personal to me to protect their livelihoods.”

Adding that WPGA members “feel like family,” she also respects how they’re actively “fighting for the industry with passion.”

Hobbies

When Wanner isn’t working to protect WPGA members’ livelihoods, she can often be found enjoying hobbies like dancing and wine tasting. She also frequently visits antique stores to collect vintage hats. “As a country girl, any activity outdoors really suits me, too – camping, fishing, you name it.”