Hall of Famer Nancy Coop to retire at year’s end

Nancy Coop, an LP Gas Hall of Famer, will retire from Cetane Associates and the propane industry at the end of this year, the firm announced. She joined Cetane six years ago and has been a leader in the industry for 20 years.

Throughout her career, Cetane says, Coop has made a significant impact on the industry, on the firm and on the many colleagues who have had the privilege of working with her. Her kindness, dedication and vision have shaped not only Cetane, but the propane community as a whole, the company adds.

“Cetane is the kind of place you want to be a part of as long as possible,” Coop says. “It is not easy to say goodbye to the wonderful group here or to my long-term, terrific friends in the propane industry. Twenty years ago, I stepped into my dad’s shoes at JARCO. At the end of this year, I’ll retire with gratitude and pride for a late-in-life career that brought me joy. I will add a special shoutout to the women and men in the industry who boldly forged the Women in Propane Council to support the industry’s future success.”

Coop’s propane career has been defined by leadership, innovation and advocacy. In fact, she was the founding chair of the National Propane Gas Association’s (NPGA) Women in Propane Council, creating a collaborative environment for men and women across the industry.

Her career spans owning and leading her family’s bobtail manufacturing company, executive roles with major propane marketers and long-standing volunteer service with both the NPGA and the Western Propane Gas Association. In 2022, Coop was honored as the first woman inducted into the LP Gas Hall of Fame. (Read her Hall of Fame profile and listen to her speech here.)

Since joining Cetane, the company says, Coop has been widely admired for her positivity and relentless drive to improve. She has created an environment that focuses on teamwork and family while inspiring everyone around her to strive for excellence.

“Nancy’s leadership and energy have left an indelible mark on Cetane and the propane industry,” says Barrett Conway, managing director and principal of Cetane. “She has been a mentor, a trailblazer and a true friend to so many of us. Her vision and passion have helped build the collaborative and people-centered culture that defines our company today. It has been a great pleasure getting to team up with Nancy on all of Cetane’s marketing endeavors. We are grateful for her countless contributions and wish her and [her husband] Tuck nothing but happiness in this next chapter of life.”

Steve Abbate, managing director of Cetane, adds, “From the first time I met and spoke with Nancy Coop, she demonstrated her knowledge of the industry and her integrity as a person. When I heard she might be available for employment, I had no idea what she would do for us, but I just knew she needed to be on our team. She did her homework on us, we met and she came on board, and neither of us ever looked back. Her contributions to our company and to the propane industry are too numerous to list. I have been enriched by the friendship I developed with both Nancy and her family. All the best in your retirement!”

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