Rob Underwood – President

Rob Underwood is the President of the Energy Marketers of America representing energy marketers on Capitol Hill. He joined EMA in July 2007 as the Director of Government Relations and took over as President in 2015.

Rob played a key role in reauthorizing the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA). NORA was signed into law in February 2014 and again in 2018 for ten years which resulted in over $100 million for research and development and education and training to the heating fuels industry. Rob also led EMA’s efforts negotiating with the EPA on a costly underground storage tank proposed rule that resulted in a reduction in compliance costs while achieving equally protective environmental standards. He also steered the organization’s name change from the Petroleum Marketers Association of America (PMAA) to the Energy Marketers of America in October 2020.

Rob serves as the chief spokesperson for EMA. He is frequently quoted in Politico, Washington Post, Reuters, Oil Express and CSP Daily News. Rob also serves as a liaison to EMA’s wholly owned subsidiary, the Petroleum Marketers Oil Company, LLC (PMOCO) known as the Spirit Brand®, and currently chairs the Small Business Legislative Council (SBLC). Rob oversees and leads contribution decisions for EMA’s Small Business Committee – Political Action Committee (PAC).

The most important role as EMA President is serving its 49 state and regional trade associations before Congress and the federal agencies. Rob is a native of Georgia where he earned a BA degree in Political Science from the University of Georgia. Prior to joining EMA, Rob worked for U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-GA).

Sherri Stone – Vice President

Sherri Stone joined EMA in 2006 as Director of Legislative Affairs. She currently serves as Vice President. Her role is primarily focused on management of EMA’s government relations programs, the SBC Political Action Committee fund, emergency response and disaster reform.

Sherri has 34 years of experience on Capitol Hill and lobbying for trade associations. For ten years, Sherri represented the Manufactured Housing Institute. She also has experience working for the medical device industry and she served seven years on Capitol Hill, first with the House Small Business Committee then as a professional staff member with the House Science and Technology Committee.

She has a B.A. in Political Science from North Carolina State University and a Masters degree from The American University. Sherri was designated as a Certified Association Executive (CAE) in 2013.

Austin Harrison
Squire Patton Boggs
EMA Public Policy Advisor

Austin represents EMA on Capitol Hill in a variety of areas, including energy and environment and transportation.  He assists EMA in developing comprehensive legislative strategies to further EMA’s interest before Congress and relevant congressional committees.  Austin previously worked in Washington DC for US Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS) and US Representative Gregg Harper (R-MS).

Sabrina Pitcher
Director of Programs and Administration

Sabrina Pitcher joined EMA in March 2000. She manages EMA’s Small Business Committee Political Action Committee and Marketer Defense Fund (MDF). Sabrina also works with Karma O’Neil in preparing and managing EMA’s Washington Conference and Day on the Hill as well as EMA’s Fall Meeting at the NACS Show. Additionally, Sabrina handles EMA’s Annual Directory and member services.

Before joining EMA, she worked at Cambridge Beaches, Bermuda, Day’s Inn, and Sheraton.

Jim Rocco
EMA Environmental Consultant

Jim Rocco is an environmental engineer with over thirty years experience in the energy industry. Jim is rejoined by EMA to advise EMA staff on complex environmental regulations. Jim also represents EMA on the NFPA 30 and 31 Standards Committee, Fuels Institute, ASTM Diesel Fuel Section and the National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM).

Jeff Leiter
Regulatory Counsel

Jeffrey L Leiter is a shareholder in the Washington, D.C. law firm of Bassman, Mitchell, Alfano & Leiter, Chartered. Jeff has represented petroleum marketing companies, lubricant manufacturers, and trade associations and non-profit organizations for over 40 years. Jeff represents and counsels petroleum marketing, convenience store and travel center companies on a wide range of issues, including environmental, health and safety, and petroleum marketing laws and regulations.

Jorge Roman
Regulatory Counsel

Jorge Roman is an associate at Bassman, Mitchell, Alfano & Leiter, Chartered in Washington, D.C., where he focuses on regulatory matters impacting the fuel distribution, lubricant manufacturing, and chemical production sectors. He holds both a J.D. and an LL.M. in Energy and Natural Resources Law from the University of Tulsa College of Law. Jorge represents EMA before key federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and supports the organization’s legislative initiatives.

Karma O’Neill
Meetings Consultant

Karma O’Neill is a business owner, event planner and community volunteer in Annapolis, Maryland. She founded her business, KO Events, in 2009, specializing in corporate events, non-profit fundraisers and weddings. In 2021, Karma was elected to serve on the Annapolis City Council to represent Ward 2. She volunteers her time managing a food distribution program, packing and delivering food to City residents every Friday.

Bassman, Mitchell, Alfano & Leiter, Chartered
EMA General Counsel

Bob Bassman, Doug Mitchell, Al Alfano and Jeff Leiter have been important legal advisors to independent marketers and EMA for over thirty years. The firm is retained by EMA to provide legal services on legal matters of national significance.