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EMI Staff emaeditor 2025-07-03T09:39:19-04:00

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# EMI Staff

Rob Underwood – President

Rob Underwood serves as President of the Energy Marketers of America (EMA), advocating for energy marketers on Capitol Hill since taking the role in 2015. He joined EMA in 2007 as Director of Government Relations.

Underwood was instrumental in the reauthorization of the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA), signed into law in 2014 and extended in 2018 for a decade, securing over $100 million for heating fuels industry research, development, education, and training. He successfully led EMA’s negotiations with the EPA on an underground storage tank rule, reducing compliance costs while maintaining robust environmental standards. In 2020, he guided the organization’s rebranding from the Petroleum Marketers Association of America (PMAA) to EMA.

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

Underwood’s primary focus is representing EMA’s 48 state and regional trade associations before Congress and federal agencies. A Georgia native, he holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Georgia and previously 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 EMI 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.

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