The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) recently elected Paula Wilson, director of marketing at AmeriGas Propane in Valley Forge, Pa., as Executive Committee officer and the first woman to lead the organization. 

Wilson authorized her staff to publish a 2014 budget plan for public review and comment.

Four other newly elected officers also began one-year terms:

• Eric Benson, J.S. West & Co., Modesto, Calif.,vice chairman–marketers;

• Michael E. Barnes, BP Energy Co., Houston,vice chairman–producers;

• Robert Barry, Bergquist Inc., Toledo, Ohio, treasurer;and Thomas Van Buren, Ferrell North America, Overland Park, Kansas, secretary.

PERC’s proposed 2014 budget of $39.6 million includes $24.2 million for program activities, which is an increase of $4.5 million from program funding expected in 2013. The proposed budget will be posted for industry and public comment before August 1.