After 14 years as a bulk and propane plant manager with the company, Andy Hays will take over Bob Barton’s position as district manager of southwest Missouri and Oklahoma operations, effective September 1.
Hays joined MFA Oil in 1996 as a bulk plant manager and then left in 1998 to pursue a career as an owner-operator of a trucking company. After returning to the company in 2005 as a bulk oil delivery driver, Hays took over management at the Nevada plant in 2006 and added Butler and Stockton to his managerial duties by 2015.
“Andy understands MFA Oil’s culture and has a clear vision of what the company is moving toward with improved automation, monitoring and discount structures,” says Kenny Steeves, vice president BP/LP operations.
Among other things, Hays will be responsible for customer service, pricing and fleet safety for the southwest Missouri and Oklahoma districts, as well as northwest Arkansas and Utah operations.
Barton is set to retire from his 40-year career with MFA Oil on October 31. He joined the company in 1977 and spent 12 years as plant manager at Crocker, Mo. He served as a training agent for two years before returning to management at the Lebanon, Mo. plant in 1991. Barton has spent the last 18 years as district manager.
“His leadership in his many company roles has shown through to his peers, employees and customers. It is always a pleasure to work with Bob,” says Steeves. “Bob shares his enthusiasm and faith every chance he gets and has mentored many friends and employees over the years. I am glad to call him a friend.”
Barton is looking forward to spending more time hunting and fishing after he retires. He and his wife, Dawn, will also be spending some time in Australia visiting their daughter, son-in-law and new grandson, Leo.