Top Statewide Communications Professional to Join OPMCA

COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 1 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ohio Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association (OPMCA) has named Karen Stivers to serve as the Director of Marketing and Communications for the organization.  Stivers will oversee public affairs for the statewide trade association.  

Stivers brings extensive professional credentials to the position, most recently as a communications and media relations consultant.  Formerly, she served as the Director of Communications for Speaker Jon Husted in the Ohio House of Representatives, where she had previously worked as a member of the caucus communications staff.  

"Karen is widely recognized as one of the top communications professionals in the state and the association is incredibly fortunate to have her on our modern team.  Her knowledge and her reputation as a seasoned and well-respected communications professional will prove invaluable as we strengthen our advocacy efforts," said Jennifer Breech Rhoads, President and CEO.  

Stivers earned a Bachelor of Arts in English literature, with an emphasis in professional writing, from Ohio Dominican University.  In addition, she has participated in several professional workshops for communications professionals and has volunteered her expertise on a variety of local, state and national political campaigns.  

"Our organization continues to assemble a team that will lead us toward our goals in 2010 and beyond," said James Patneau, Jr., Chairman, OPMCA Board of Directors.  "Karen Stivers' education and experience make her another valuable team member that will help shape and communicate our new goals," said Patneau, Jr.  

Karen is a native of central Ohio, where she and her husband, Steve, reside with their daughter.  

About OPMCA

The Ohio Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association is a statewide advocacy group of 500 independent businesses which own and operate more than 4,000 gas stations and convenience stores in the state.  Its members provide more than 50,000 jobs to people working in retail service stations, convenience stores, truck stops and commercial fueling facilities in Ohio.

SOURCE Ohio Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores Association