April 2026
The HPBA Government Affairs Leadership Academy (GALA) develops the next generation of industry leaders by helping participants understand how government decisions affect the hearth, patio, and barbecue industry. Through monthly sessions, executive-led discussions, and hands-on exercises, the year-long program strengthens advocacy skills and builds confidence communicating with policymakers. Two members of the current class are already taking advantage of the opportunity, bringing fresh perspectives and a commitment to future leadership.
Meet the GALA Members: Jennifer Lance & Blaine Whitley
Jennifer Lance, co-owner and project manager of Alpine Valley Fireplace, a hearth installation business, balances busy days coordinating installation crews, meeting with builders, conducting inspections, preparing estimates, and managing permits and payroll. Lance and her husband launched their company in 2020 and quickly began attending HPBExpo that year. There, Lance took technical classes and discovered a passion for the hands-on side of the industry. Her interest in public policy led her to apply for GALA, where she hopes to better understand how to engage with policymakers in Colorado on energy policy and the gas hearth industry.
Blaine Whitley, Product Engineering Manager at Napoleon/Wolf Steel Ltd., brings a product development perspective to the Government Affairs Leadership Academy. His work focuses on designing and developing new hearth products, balancing engineering principles with creativity through CAD reviews, testing, and cost analysis. After first joining the industry through a 2016 internship with Napoleon, Whitley pursued GALA to expand on the government affairs training he previously completed in Canada and gain a stronger understanding of the U.S. policy landscape that shapes product development decisions.
Applications for the 2027–2028 GALA class will open this fall. If you are interested in participating in the next GALA class, please contact governmentaffairs@hpba.org.