DD Alexander ‘ready to get down to business’ as new NPGA chair

DD Alexander says she’s spent her “entire life” in the propane business. From mowing grass, painting tanks and driving a bobtail, every experience taught her about an industry “built by hardworking people willing to do what it takes to serve customers.”

Now she can add the industry’s most high-profile volunteer position to her resume – chair of the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) board of directors.

Alexander was sworn in with NPGA’s new slate of officers during its June board meeting in Washington, D.C. She joined Trent Hampton of Lakes Gas as chair elect, Chad Kroening of Boehlke Bottled Gas as vice chair and Ray Galan of Ferrellgas as treasurer.

Alexander, the president of propane supplier Global Gas, replaces Mike Hopsicker of Ray Murray Inc. In his farewell address, he recognized Alexander and the qualities that make her ideal for the role.

“DD is smart and quick-witted. She combines tactfulness with a ‘no BS, get-down-to-business’ style,” he said. “[Coming from] the propane supply side will prove extremely valuable.”

In her first speech as chair, Alexander recounted how a simple invitation 35 years ago changed the course of her professional life. Glenn Saunders of White Mountain Oil & Propane had invited her to join the NPGA Member Services Committee. As a business owner, she found the insights and resources that she could gather from attending association meetings invaluable to her career. Her level of involvement in the industry only increased from there.

Upon becoming NPGA chair, she also celebrated her family. She acknowledged her dad, Marty Burke, a mentor from whom she learned much about the propane industry, as well as her children, Connor and Taylor, who represent the next generation for Global Gas.

She thanked the many industry leaders who paved the way before her. That included Michelle Bimson Maggi, the association’s first female chair in 2022.

“I’m standing here as NPGA chair representing your interests,” she said, listing the many successful outcomes the association has already gained while working with a favorable administration. She also listed the issues still at hand.  “We know the work is far from over.”

As she begins her year-long term, Alexander says she’s optimistic about the future.

“When we are all united, this industry is incredibly strong,” she says.

Distinguished service, safety, other award winners named

Gary France, the general manager and owner of France Propane Service in Schofield, Wisconsin, received the NPGA Distinguished Service Award during its mid-year meeting in Washington, D.C.

France is the first winner of the NPGA’s most prestigious honor since Dan Myers in 2018.

France has shown industry leadership throughout his career. He became NPGA chairman in June 2013. One year later, he testified with Joe Cordill of Cordill Propane Service at a federal hearing that examined the issues contributing to the challenging winter of 2013-14 as well as the possible solutions.

He also won the Bill Hill Award in 2015 and the inaugural Chairman’s Pillar Award of the Propane Education & Research Council in 2023.

NPGA also presented its Safety Award to Exosent Engineering for its work to advance safety in the propane and bulk transport industry. Company President UV Doran accepted the honor.

Jim Blake of Eastern Propane & Oil received the State Director the Year Award (Rhode Island), while Hopsicker, immediate past chair, presented chair citations to Dan Richardson of Conger LP Gas, Tom Knauff of EDP, Rick Cummings of Mulhern Gas, Kim Godlewski of IPS, Jennifer Jackson of AmeriGas and Ben Nussdorf of NPGA.

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