The membership of the National Association of Oil and Energy Service Professionals has unanimously voted to hire Jaffe Communications of Newark, N.J. to serve as the next executive director, following the retirement of Judy Garber on Aug. 1.

The decision followed an extensive, year-long search for Garber’s replacement, as OESP sought a multi-pronged firm that could provide all management services, as well as implementation of a comprehensive, ongoing public relations program and a strategic plan to engage and expand the membership base.

“OESP plays a critical role in safeguarding and enhancing our industry,” said OESP President Ralph Adams, service manager of Parker Fuel Co. in Ellicott City, Md. “Judy has been the face of OESP for many years; it was important that we could maintain that continuity of personal service and focus on our members. Jaffe Communications is the perfect fit for that role.”

Through the selection process, many of the members of OESP met with Jonathan Jaffe and Lisa Strug of Jaffe Communications, who will now be handling the day-to-day operations of OESP. Jaffe will focus on strengthening communications among the chapters and securing new revenue opportunities for the association. Strug will focus on member services and management of the association, as a one-stop resource for anyone with inquiries.

OESP also expressed interest in the many other in-house capabilities of the firm, such as graphic design, web services, social media, podcasting and other communication strategies that can build a strong bridge between the association and the next generation of service professionals.

“For OESP to build on the terrific momentum that Judy Garber has established over her many years of service to the association, it is critical that OESP focus on communicating with the younger generation of the industry,” said Jonathan Jaffe, who founded Jaffe Communications in 2003. “By providing that same personal service to each and every OESP member, as well as implementing new technologies and strategies to engage and build membership, we are excited about the enormous growth potential.”

Strug said she was pleased with the feedback she received from the exhibitors at the recent Eastern Energy Expo at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Ct., where three trade organizations came together to create a mega-event for the industry. The five-day Expo was the first collaboration between OESP, Atlantic Region Energy Expo and the Pennsylvania Petroleum Association, and featured a two-day trade show with nearly 250 exhibitors.  Many expressed the appreciation of a larger conference where there is more opportunity to market programs and services to all of their clients in one place

“We are fortunate to begin our work with a winning conference that is considered the place to be,” said Strug, adding she looks forward to meeting with many OESP members at the 11th annual Oil Heat Retreat at the Grand Hotel in Cape May, NJ, September 8-11. “We look forward to discussing ways in which we can work together in the coming year to maximize all possibilities.”