The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has hired Joel Stutheit as senior manager of business development for its on-road market portfolio.

In this role, Stutheit will be responsible for growing propane autogas market share for on-highway light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles, focused on implementing strategic market plans that support research and development of innovative technologies, product launches, maintenance, and growth in existing and new markets.

Prior to PERC, Stutheit spent over 20 years in education, serving in assistant principal roles and as director of Bethel School District in Spanaway, Washington. There, he led a variety of projects and operations, including overseeing an $18 million annual budget. He established the district’s propane autogas school bus program, procuring $2.5 million in buses yearly with the assistance of grants. The program earned statewide recognition for its cost savings and progress toward clean energy goals.

Stutheit holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Eastern Washington University and a master’s in educational leadership from Heritage University.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Joel to the team, and we’re looking forward to him making a big impact for our mission,” said Tucker Perkins, president and CEO of PERC. “Not only does Joel bring invaluable expertise to our organization, but he also has first-hand experience adopting propane autogas and knows what fleet managers are looking for when evaluating alternative fuels.”

David Walters was hired as director of autogas business development last April and left the role in September.