The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has selected industry veteran Thomas “Tucker” Perkins as its next president and CEO.

Perkins succeeds Roy Willis, president and CEO, who has led the PERC staff since operations began nearly 20 years ago. Willis, 67, will retire July 31.

Perkins says he’s grateful for the opportunity to lead the council.

“We will work to produce innovative, relevant and insightful programs and services, every day, because we know our performance affects the lives of so many businesses, families and consumers,” Perkins says. “My professional life has been dedicated to the propane industry, and this is an exciting and challenging capstone in my career.”

Perkins, 60, joined PERC in 2012 as chief business development officer and most recently served as COO. He previously was a member of the PERC Advisory Committee and chaired the panel on engine fuel. He has extensive experience in the propane industry, including operating his own retail propane company in Virginia, Premier Propane, as well as holding executive positions at Inergy Propane and Columbia Propane.

Perkins holds a B.S. in civil engineering from Virginia Tech and an MBA from the University of Richmond. He and his wife, Liz, reside in Richmond, Va.

The transition to a new leader comes at a pivotal moment for PERC and the industry, according to the council. The surge in domestic propane supply has transformed the U.S. into a leading exporter and connected the country to the global propane market. At home, expanding competition and warmer-than-normal winters put greater emphasis on diversifying demand and educating the public about the benefits and uses of propane.