Eastern Propane senior VP leads new class of NPGA officers

Denis Gagne, senior vice president of supply and acquisitions at Eastern Propane & Oil in Rochester, New Hampshire, was sworn in as the new chairman of the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA).

Gagne replaced Randy Thompson of ThompsonGas during NPGA’s virtual mid-year board of directors meeting June 15.

In his first speech as chairman, Gagne said he was “humbled and honored” to serve as an NPGA officer beginning three years ago.

Today, he and the industry face threats from the decarbonization and electrify-everything movement; legislative and regulatory challenges; the COVID-19 pandemic; and “supply concerns in a country that has an abundance of reserves,” Gagne said.

“2020 has been a year of unexpected crises; our lives will be forever changed,” he added.

A self-described optimist, Gagne said the industry has much for which to be thankful, including the combined leadership of NPGA, the Propane Education & Research Council and the state propane associations to help it navigate the energy landscape.

“Leadership listens and learns; it does not just give direction,” he said. “We are here to serve and to get it right.”

The family business

Gagne has a lifetime of experience in the propane industry, having worked in his family’s propane business, Gagne’s Bottled Gas. He joined Eastern in 1976 when Gagne’s Bottled Gas was acquired by Eastern.

“Thanks to my experience in a family business where I learned the fundamental importance of family and hard work, and the experience I gained working at Eastern, I believe that I can help advance our industry and the customers we serve,” Gagne said.

Gagne has been active in propane industry associations since the 1990s when he first became involved in the Propane Gas Association of New England and later held numerous leadership positions. In the late 1990s, he started attending NPGA board meetings. Thereafter, Gagne joined the board and served on and led several NPGA committees. In 2012, he was elected to the NPGA Executive Committee and then as an officer of NPGA.

“Denis is a great example of how hard work and dedication pays off,” said Tom Manson, CEO of Eastern. “He has helped Eastern grow over the years. We are excited to see Denis continuing to help our industry on a national level.”

In addition to Gagne, NPGA’s new class of officers are Bob Barry of Bergquist, chair-elect; Michelle Bimson Maggi of AmeriGas, vice chair; and Jeff Stewart of Blue Star Gas, treasurer.