Written on: July 28, 2026 by ICM
The National Energy & Fuels Institute (NEFI) announced that former President & CEO Shane Sweet passed away on July 16 in Raceland, LA, at the age of 66.
SWEET
Sweet was a highly respected leader, educator and advocate in the delivered fuels industry, said NEFI. He began his career in the energy industry in 1982 in Vermont, at a family-owned fuel company providing heating oil, propane, diesel, gasoline, kerosene and equipment. Over the years, he held the positions of general manager, division manager or operations manager for multiple Vermont retail fuel companies. In 2019, he launched a consulting practice that delivered live, interactive training programs for propane professionals across North America.
Throughout his career, Sweet held leadership positions in many industry organizations, including Executive Director of the Vermont Fuel Dealers Association from 1993-2007; President & CEO of the New England Fuel Institute (now National Energy & Fuels Institute) from 2007-2010; and Executive Director & Technical Director of the New York Propane Gas Association from 2014-2019. He is also remembered for creating the Virtual Propane Expo to connect industry professionals online during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jim Collura, NEFI President & CEO, said, “Shane brought a genuine passion to this industry and was well known for his work in advocacy and education.
ICM’s publisher, Don Farrell, and Sweet in 2010.
“He believed in people, and what drove him was helping them reach their potential. He was an inspiring leader, mentor, and friend to me and so many others. He will be deeply missed.”
Sweet was predeceased by his first wife, Marianne, and is survived by his wife, Jill. In lieu of flowers or a formal memorial service, those wishing to honor Sweet’s memory are encouraged to make a donation to their local Humane Society or to the Humane Society of their choice.
