Committees

SME Committees include the Board of Directors, Standing Committees, Technical Committees, Councils, and Conference Committees.

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Members may volunteer to serve on most committees.

The Board of Directors shall have and exercise on behalf of the Society, all rights, powers and privileges granted to the Society as a not-for-profit corporation organized under the laws of Colorado in the carrying out of the purposes set forth and Articles of Incorporation.

The AIME Board of Trustees is the governing body of the Corporation and shall manage the activities, property, and affairs of the Corporation; the Board of Trustees may exercise all such powers of he Corporation as shall not be prohibited by the Act, the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws. The Board of Trustees shall manage the Corporation under provisions of a Fiscal Policy as established and modified by the Board from time to time.

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Name Position Sub-Position Start End
J. Steven Gardner, PE President AIME 08/01/2022 07/31/2026
Dr Ron O'Malley, PHD President-Elect AIME 08/01/2023 06/30/2027
Barbette Barlow Executive Director, ex officio AIME 07/01/2024 06/30/2030
Simon Seaton Trustee SPE 08/01/2023 07/31/2027
Shauna Noonan President-Elect Designate AIME 08/01/2024 07/31/2028
Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Julian Ortiz Member 03/01/2022 02/28/2050
Dr Andrea J. Brickey, PHD Member 03/01/2022 02/28/2050

The Committee shall review the nominations for the IM&AD Frank A. Alsobrook Distinguished Service Award and select the recipient.

The Cindy Moore Courageous Impact Award was established to recognize the outstanding achievements and lasting impact of women in mining or the mine service industry. The award is sponsored by Hecla Mining. The annual award will be given to a woman in the mining or the mine service industry that: (1) has shown leadership, mentorship, and enthusiasm for the industry and (2) is making or has made a lasting impact on the industry.

Members of this committee are nominated from within the Inclusion and Diversity Committee.

SME members: to self-nominate for a position on the I&D committee, please email your resume and statement of interest to volunteer@smenet.org.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Matt Blattman Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2027
Gustavo Marquez, Jr. Member 05/17/2024
Kody-Lee M. Musick Member 05/17/2024
Justine Harlan Member 06/12/2025
Lauren Hafla Member 06/12/2025
Elisa Comis Member 03/19/2024
Laura A. Nelson SME Staff 03/01/2022 02/28/2050
Karin Harrington SME Staff 03/01/2022 02/28/2050

The Howard L. Hartman Award, established in 1989, recognizes distinguished contributions in practice, teaching or research in the field of underground ventilation engineering.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Mr. Jack D. Trackemas Co-Chair 03/01/2025 02/28/2031
Arunkumar Rai, MS MBA Co-Chair 03/01/2024 02/28/2030
Mr Craig Stewart, B.S.M.E Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2028
Arash Habibi Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2029
Heather N. Dougherty, PE, PHD Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2027

The Committee shall review the nominations for the Rock Mechanics Award and select the recipient. The Rock Mechanics Award is awarded to recognize distinguished contributions toward the advancement of rock mechanics.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Deniz Tuncay Representative Coal & Energy Div 03/01/2023 02/28/2027
Dr. Zacharias G. Agioutantis Representative 03/01/2025 02/28/2029
David Cheung Representative Mining & Exploration Div 03/01/2024 02/28/2028
Zoheir Khademian Representative Coal & Energy Div 03/01/2024 02/28/2028
Emily Rose Representative Mining & Exploration Div 03/01/2023 02/28/2027
Tara K. Davis SME Staff 03/01/2025 02/28/2050

The Committee shall review the nominations for the Aplan Award and select the recipient. The Frank F. Aplan Award (Aplan Award) recognizes engineering or scientific contributions that further the understanding of the technology of coal and/or mineral engineering. Eligible areas of recognition include agglomeration, classification, comminution, electrical and magnetic separation, flocculation and sedimentation, froth flotation, and other related processing operations.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Susan B. Bealko, MS, MPH Representative Coal & Energy Div 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Lei Pan Representative Mineral & Metallurgical Processing Div 03/01/2025 02/28/2029
Dr. Tathagata Ghosh, PhD Representative Coal & Energy Div 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Qingqing Huang Representative Mineral & Metallurgical Processing Div 03/01/2025 02/28/2028
James E. Gebhardt, PE, PHD Representative Mineral & Metallurgical Processing Div 03/01/2026 02/28/2027

The Award is administered by SME’s Coal & Energy Division.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Dr. Tathagata Ghosh, PhD Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Steven J. Schafrik Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2028
Jim Haughey Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2027

The Erskine Ramsay Award Committee is responsible for reviewing the nominations for the Erskine Ramsay Award and selecting the recipient. The Ramsay Award recognizes distinguished achievement in coal mining to include both bituminous coal and anthracite.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Michael A. Trevits, MBA, PG Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2028
J. Steven Gardner, PE Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2029
Dr. Abhishek Choudhury Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2027
Robert A. Kimutis Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2028
Thomas A. Gray Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2028
Yuting Xue, PHD Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2029

The Howard N. Eavenson Award Committee is responsible for reviewing the nominations for the Howard N. Eavenson Award and selecting the recipient. The Eavenson Award recognizes distinguished contributions to the advancement of coal mining.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Dr. Zacharias G. Agioutantis Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2028
Amy L. McBrayer Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Michael A. Trevits, MBA, PG Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2027

The Committee selects the recipient(s) of the J.W. Woomer Award. This award brings recognition of engineering professionalism to young people working in the coal industry.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Brett A. Ashley, PE Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Michael Keener Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Robert P. Kudlawiec, CMSP, MBA, PE, REM Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2028

The Committee selects the recipient of the annual Percy W. Nicholls Award. Established in 1942, funded by AIME and ASME in alternating years, the Percy W. Nicholls Award is given for notable scientific or industrial achievement in the field of solid fuels.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Deniz Tuncay Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2027
Brijes Mishra, PHD Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2029
Mr. Thomas A. Toney Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2028

The Committee shall review all applications for the Coal & Energy Division Scholarship and the John Sidney Marshall Scholarship and select the recipient(s).

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Adam G. Patterson Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Jon Fox, M.Sc, PHD Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2027

The Committee selects the recipient(s) of the Stefanko Best Paper Award. The Coal & Energy Division Stefanko Best Paper Award is awarded to recognize authors presenting papers in the Coal & Energy Division technical sessions for their contributions to the body of knowledge.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Deniz Tuncay Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Vaibhav Raj, PHD Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2028

The Environmental Division Benefactor Award is administered by the SME Environmental Division Executive Committee.

The Committee shall review the nominations for the Environmental Division Distinguished Service Award recipient.

The Committee shall review all applications for the EVD Scholarship and select the recipient(s).

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Daniel Torres Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Mackenzie Best Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2027

The Committee shall review the nominations for the SME/AIME Environmental Stewardship Distinguished Service Award and select the recipient.

This committee will develop nominations for Division committees and the Division’s awards including, but not limited to: ensuring a representative slate of nominees (from the committee and the public), promoting and recruiting nominations for each award, providing a slate of nominees for each award to the S&H Division executive committee for their adjudication, maintaining confidentiality regarding all aspects of the nomination and award selection process, working with SME staff to ensure physical awards are prepared for presentation at H&S Division award breakfast at the annual SME conference and exposition.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Amelia Faust Chair 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Bahareh Nojabaei Co-Chair 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Chad Triebwasser, CMSP, CSP, MBA Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Rebecca Levin Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Kate Brown Requist Member 03/29/2025 02/28/2027
Benji Bowlin, CMSP Member 03/19/2025 02/28/2027
Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Amelia Faust Chair 03/19/2025 02/28/2027
Jeffrey Gordon Vice Chair 03/19/2025 02/28/2027
Bahareh Nojabaei Co-Chair 03/19/2025 02/28/2027
Mark N. Savit Member 03/19/2025 02/28/2027

The Committee shall review all applications for the IM&AD Scholarship and select the recipient(s).

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Riddhika Jain Member 10/09/2025 02/28/2027

The Wallace Scholarship is awarded annually to a master’s degree candidate in geology or geological science who plans to pursue a career in the field of exploration geology.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
James E. Tabinski Chair Mining & Exploration Division 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Kathryn F. Kosloski Representative Industrial Minerals & Aggregates Div 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Tara K. Davis SME Staff 03/01/2025 02/28/2050
Melissa Serdinsky SME Staff 06/20/2025 02/28/2050

The Hal Williams Hardinge Award Committee is responsible for reviewing the nominations for the Hal Williams Hardinge Award and selecting the recipient. The Hardinge Award recognizes outstanding achievements in the field of industrial minerals.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Dr. Edward F. McCarthy Member 03/01/2025
Riddhika Jain Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2027
Dr. J. Richard Kyle Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2028
Mr. Raghav M. Dube Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2028
Dr. Bowen Li Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2028
Gaurav Soni Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2028

The Young Scientist Award is administered by SME’s Industrial Minerals & Aggregates Division (IM&AD) Executive Committee.

The Ivan B. Rahn Education Award recognizes distinguished contributions to the educational activities within SME. The Rahn Award is open to all SME members who have shown long-term interest in and have significantly contributed to SME activities relating to the Accreditation Board for Engineering & Technology (ABET), student affairs, continuing education, professional registration, and/or the Council of Education (not necessarily an educator).

Members of this Award Committee are nominated by their Division. Contact your Division for more information.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Richard Ladouceur, PHD Member 03/01/2025
Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Ronald L. Parratt Representative SME 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Dr Manisha Banker Representative ASME 04/01/2024 02/28/2027
Rebecca Griebe Representative AMPP 04/01/2024 02/28/2027
Kevin Zeik Representative AIST 04/01/2024 02/28/2027
Nathan Meehan Representative SPE 04/01/2024 02/28/2027

The Committee shall review the nominations for the Douglas Award and select the recipient. The James Douglas Gold Medal (Douglas Award) recognizes distinguished achievement in nonferrous metallurgy, including both the beneficiation of ores and the alloying and utilization of nonferrous metals.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Dr Tarun Bhambhani Representative Mineral & Metallurgical Processing Div 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Christopher A. Noble, PE, PHD Representative 03/01/2025 02/28/2028
Kimberly D. Mills, PHD Representative Mineral & Metallurgical Processing Div 03/01/2026 02/28/2029

The Committee shall review the nominations for the Outstanding Young Engineer Award and select the recipient. The Outstanding Young Engineer Award recognizes significant contributions of a young individual within the Mineral Processing-Extractive discipline

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Dr Tarun Bhambhani Chair 03/01/2026 02/28/2027
Michael Spicher Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2033
Zachery A. Zanetell Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2032
Adam R. House, QP Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2031
Mr James R. Wickens Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2030
Robert Nick Gow Member 03/01/2022 02/28/2029
Kimberly D. Mills, PHD Member 03/01/2021 02/28/2028
Christopher A. Noble, PE, PHD Member 03/01/2020 02/28/2027

The Committee shall review the nominations for the Gaudin Award and select the recipient. The Gaudin Award is given for scientific or engineering contributions that further the understanding of the technology of mineral processing. Eligible areas for contributions are agglomeration, classification, comminution, electrical and magnetic separation, flocculation and sedimentation, froth flotation, hydrometallurgy, particulate behavior, and other related mineral processing operations.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Clifton A Boylston Chair 03/01/2026 02/28/2027
Xinbo Yang Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2029
Dr. Robert Cooke Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2029
Michael Blois Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Dr. Barbara J. Arnold Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Dr. Rick Honaker, PhD Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2028
Mark F. Carlisle Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2028

The Taggart Award is made for the paper or series of closely related papers with at least one common author, which, in the opinion of the Committee, represents a notable contribution to the science of mineral processing. The Committee shall review the eligible papers and select the recipient.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Jiaqi Jin Chair 03/01/2026 02/28/2027
Brett Carlson Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2029
Dr Saskia Duyvesteyn Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2029
Fangyu Liu Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Seyed Hassan Amini, PHD Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Wencai Zhang Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2028

The Committee shall review the nominations for the Milton E. Wadsworth Award and select the recipient. The Committee is also responsible for soliciting and/or submitting nominations as appropriate/necessary. The Wadsworth Award recognizes distinguished contributions that advance our understanding of the science and technology of nonferrous chemical metallurgy.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Tim G. Robinson Chair 03/01/2026 02/28/2027
Dr. Michael L. Free Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2029
Deniz Talan Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2029
Dr. Sevket Acar Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Rudi D. Frischmuth Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Joanna M. Robertson Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2028
Fangyu Liu Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2028

The Robert H. Richards Award Committee is responsible for reviewing the nominations for the Robert H. Richards Award and selecting the recipient. The Richards Award recognizes achievement in any form which unmistakably furthers the art of mineral beneficiation in any of its branches.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Fangyu Liu Chair 03/01/2026 02/28/2027
Mr. Raghav M. Dube Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2030
Sunil Tripathy Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2029
Sumedh Gostu Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2028
Dr. Janet Baron Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2028
Fangyu Liu Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2027
Dr. Hamid Akbari Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2027
Dr. Kathleen A. Altman Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2029

The Committee shall review all applications for the Klimpel and MPD Scholarships and Rong Yu Wan Ph.D. Dissertation Award and select the recipient(s).

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Zachery A. Zanetell Chair 03/01/2026 02/28/2027
Deniz Talan Vice Chair 03/01/2026 02/28/2027
Sehliselo Ndlovu Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2029
Debra K. Switzer Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2029
Kristine R. Murphy Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Jiaqi Jin Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2028
Dr Behzad Vaziri Hassas Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2028
Robert Nick Gow Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2027

The award was established by AIME in l965 to recognize distinguished contributions to the advancement of mineral economics.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Tara K. Davis SME Staff 03/01/2025 02/28/2050

The award will be administered by the Accreditation and Curricular Issues Committee.

The Dickerson Award is administered by the Mining & Exploration Division (M&E Division) of the Society, under the direction of the SME Board of Directors.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Lia Walker Chair 03/01/2026 02/28/2027
Daniel B. Rosenbach Chair Elect 03/01/2026 02/28/2027
Donald C. Dwyer Past Chair 03/01/2026 02/28/2027
Christopher Gypton Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2028
Kevin Martindale Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Mr. Jordan M. Anderson Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Tara K. Davis SME Staff 03/20/2025 02/28/2050

The Jackling Award is administered by the Mining & Exploration Division (M&E Division) of the Society, under the direction of the SME Board of Directors.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Rosa M. Rojas Espinoza, BS/MS Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2030
Lia Walker Member 03/01/2022 02/28/2027
Mrs Kathryn E. Marten Robertson Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2028
Russell J. Sheets, PE Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2029
Tara K. Davis SME Staff 03/21/2025 02/28/2050

The Award is administered by the Mining & Exploration Division (M&E Division) of the Society, under the direction of the SME Board of Directors

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Daniel B. Rosenbach Chair 03/01/2026 02/28/2027
Ms. Jenessa L. Haarala Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2027
Rosa M. Rojas Espinoza, BS/MS Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2029
Russell J. Sheets, PE Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2029
Lia Walker Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2027
Mrs Kathryn E. Marten Robertson Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2028
Daniel B. Rosenbach Member 03/01/2022 02/28/2027
Tara K. Davis SME Staff 03/01/2025 02/28/2050
Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Tara K. Davis SME Staff 03/01/2025 02/28/2050

The Award is administered by the Mining & Exploration Division (M&E Division) of the Society, under the direction of the SME Board of Directors.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Rosa M. Rojas Espinoza, BS/MS Member 03/01/2025 02/29/2028
Mrs Kathryn E. Marten Robertson Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2028
Russell J. Sheets, PE Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2028
Tara K. Davis SME Staff 03/01/2025 02/28/2050

The Award is administered by the Mining & Exploration Division (M&E Division) of the Society, under the direction of the SME Board of Directors.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Paloma Lazaro, PHD Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2028
Chad Williams Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2029
Grace E. Wilson, PE Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Tara K. Davis SME Staff 03/01/2025 02/28/2050

The Award Committee is to consist of the members of the M&E Division Program Planning Committee.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Tara K. Davis SME Staff 03/01/2025 02/28/2050

The Committee shall review the applications submitted and select the recipients of the M&E Division Scholarship and the AIME Henry De Witt Smith Graduate Scholarship.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Tara K. Davis SME Staff 03/01/2025 02/28/2050

The William Lawrence Saunders Award Committee is responsible for reviewing the nominations for the William Lawrence Saunders Award and selecting the recipient. The Saunders Award recognizes distinguished achievement in mining other than coal (including the production of nonmetallic minerals).

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Lia Walker Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2029
Maureen Moore Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2029
Michael P. Donkor, MBA, PE Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2029
Eric Hoffmann Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2030
Abhishekh Ashok Parmar Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2028
Brad Atkinson, MSc, EMBA Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2028
Tara K. Davis SME Staff 03/01/2025 02/28/2050
Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Dr. Sukumar Bandopadhyay Chair 03/01/2020 02/28/2027
Dr. Kramer D. Luxbacher, PhD Member 03/01/2020 02/28/2027
Ms. Jessica M. Wempen Member 03/01/2020 02/28/2027
Dr. Rick Honaker, PhD Member 03/01/2020 02/28/2027
Dr. Tathagata Ghosh, PhD Member 03/01/2020 02/28/2027
Dr. Barbara J. Arnold Member 03/01/2020 02/28/2027
Lorie Laessig SME Staff 03/01/2020 02/28/2029
Ms Megan Martin SME Staff 11/08/2021
Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Jonathan Deyoe SME Staff 03/01/2024 02/28/2045

The award will be administered by a committee of the most recent five SME past presidents.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
William W. Edgerton Chair 03/01/2026 02/28/2027
Marc Le Vier Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Dr. Marc A. Herpfer Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2028
Bill A. Hancock Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2029

The SME Fellow Award is presented to a select few who have distinguished themselves by notable contributions to the technology or professional activities encompassed by SME and in some cases for significant contributions to a Section, the Society, or the Institute.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Melissa Russell SME Executive Director-ex officio 09/29/2025 02/28/2045
Kimberly D. Mills, PHD Representative Mineral & Metallurgical Processing Div 03/01/2026 02/28/2027
Lia Walker Representative 03/01/2026 02/28/2027
Tara K. Davis SME Staff 03/01/2017 02/28/2050

Established in 2017, the Robert E. Murray Innovation Award honors individuals or organizations that advance the mining industry through technical innovation, with a focus on recognizing those that implement innovative technologies and processes.

The Innovation Award is administered by the Robert E. Murray Innovation Award Committee under the direction of the SME staff.

For more information, please contact SME at awards@smenet.org.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Mary B. Korpi President-Elect 03/27/2025
William M. Gleason Editor-in-Chief 03/01/2023 02/28/2030
Mr. Mick L. McCaslin Representative Mineral & Metallurgical Processing Div 03/01/2026 02/28/2029
Gregory F. Sutton Representative 03/01/2025 02/28/2028
Emily J. Haas Representative Health & Safety Div 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Gaurav Soni Representative Industrial Minerals & Aggregates Div 03/01/2025 02/28/2028
Tara K. Davis SME Staff 03/01/2025 02/28/2050

Established in 2017, the Robert E. Murray Scholarship aims to support undergraduates, graduates, and researchers in advancing innovation within the mining industry through the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and processes.

For more information, please contact SME at awards@smenet.org.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Edgar Blanco Representative Industrial Minerals & Aggregates Div 03/01/2025 02/28/2028
Mohamed Tarek Representative Health & Safety Div 03/01/2025 02/28/2028
Vaibhav Raj, PHD Representative Coal & Energy Div 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Zachery A. Zanetell Representative Mineral & Metallurgical Processing Div 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Kevin Toe Representative Mining & Exploration Div 03/01/2025 02/28/2028
Tara K. Davis SME Staff 03/01/2025 02/28/2050

The award will be administered by a committee made up of the Past Chair of each SME mining-related division.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Dr Tarun Bhambhani Representative Mineral & Metallurgical Processing Div 03/01/2026 02/28/2027
Tara K. Davis SME Staff 03/01/2025 02/28/2050

The Robert M. Dreyer Award in Applied Economic Geology, established in 1999 as an annual Award, recognizes outstanding achievements in applied economic geology. The outstanding achievements so recognized must have been accomplished through commercial exploration or development of metalliferous and/or nonmetalliferous mineral deposits.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Dr. William H. Wilkinson Chair 03/01/2024 02/28/2029
Dennis P. Bryan Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2029
Robert W. Schafer Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2029
Dawn H. Garcia, PG, CPG Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2029
Jose Perello Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2029
Richard Sillitoe Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2028
Ronald L. Parratt Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2029

The SME Board of Directors shall have and exercise on behalf of the Society, all rights, powers and privileges granted to the Society as a not-for-profit corporation organized under the laws of Colorado in the carrying out of the purposes set forth in the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.

SME members receive a nomination to serve on this committee, based on past SME leadership experience and demonstrated skills.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Mary B. Korpi President 03/01/2026 02/28/2027
Ms. Anne L. Williamson President-Elect 03/01/2026 02/28/2027
Bill A. Hancock Past President 03/01/2026 02/28/2027
Melissa Russell Secretary-Treasurer 03/01/2026 02/28/2045
Dr. Courtney A. Young Director 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Justin D. Anderson Director 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Emily J. Haas Director 03/01/2026 02/28/2029
Steven J. Schafrik Director 03/01/2026 02/28/2029
Dr Ravi Ravishankar Director 03/01/2025 02/29/2028
Michael Routledge Director 03/01/2025 02/29/2028
Rosa M. Rojas Espinoza, BS/MS Board Intern 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Stephen Benyo Board Intern 03/01/2026 02/29/2028
Genny Homyack SME Staff - ex officio 10/20/2014 02/28/2050

The Past Presidents meet on an annual basis to review and offer advice on SME activities.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Bill A. Hancock President SME 03/01/2025 02/28/2075
Mary B. Korpi President 03/01/2026 02/28/2075
Ronald L. Parratt Past President SME 03/01/2022 02/28/2075
Marc Le Vier Past President 03/01/2023 02/28/2075
Dr. Marc A. Herpfer Past President 03/01/2024 02/28/2075
J. Steven Gardner, PE Past President SME 03/01/2015 02/28/2075
Timothy D. Arnold Past President SME 03/01/2016 02/28/2075
Dr. Barbara J. Arnold Past President SME 03/01/2018 02/28/2075
Dr. Hugh B. Miller Past President SME 03/01/2019 02/28/2075
Robert W. Schafer Past President SME 03/01/2020 02/28/2075
William W. Edgerton Past President SME 03/01/2021 02/28/2075
John G. Mansanti Past President SME 03/01/2017 02/28/2075
James R. Arnold Past President SME 03/01/2007 02/28/2075
Dr. Ihor A. Kunasz Past President SME 03/01/1998 02/28/2075
George W. Luxbacher, PE, PHD Past President SME 03/01/2008 02/28/2075
Dr. Thomas J. O Neil Past President SME 03/01/2003 02/28/2075
Dr. Michael Karmis Past President SME 03/01/2002 02/28/2075
Dr. William H. Wilkinson Past President SME 03/01/2009 02/28/2075
Robert C. Freas Past President SME 03/01/1994 02/28/2075
Ta M. Li Past President SME 03/01/2001 02/28/2075
James W. Boyd Past President SME 03/01/1999 02/28/2075
Dr. Raja V. Ramani Past President SME 03/01/1995 02/28/2075
Dr Donald E. Ranta Past President SME 03/01/2000 02/28/2075
Arthur A. Schweizer Past President SME 03/01/2004 02/28/2075
Barbara A. Filas, PE Past President SME 03/01/2005 02/28/2075
Dr. Brij M. Moudgil Past President SME 03/01/2006 02/28/2075
Dr. Nikhil C. Trivedi Past President SME 03/01/2010 02/28/2075
John O. Marsden, PE Past President SME 03/01/2014 02/28/2075
Melissa Russell SME Executive Director-ex officio 09/29/2025 02/28/2045
Genny Homyack SME Staff 10/20/2014 02/25/2075

The Accreditation and Curricular Issues Committee shall determine curricular standards and deal with issues associated with accreditation including the development of program criteria recommended to the Council of Education and, in turn, the SME Board of Directors and the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), Inc.  

Click here to learn more about becoming an evaluator.

 

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Kurt Katzenstein Commissioner EAC Geological Engineering 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Dr. John S. Gierke Commissioner Applied & Natural Science 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Dr. Susan B. Patton Commissioner EAC Mining Engineering 03/01/2024 03/01/2027
Laurie Anderson Alternate Commissioner Applied & Natural Science 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Thomas Oommen Alternate Commissioner EAC Geological Engineer 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
David G. McMahill Past Commissioner EAC Mining Engineering 03/01/2008 02/28/2027
Dr. Rick Honaker, PhD Delegate ABET Board of Delegates 03/11/2024 03/01/2027
Dr. Joel S. Kuszmaul Alternate Delegate ABET Board of Delegates 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Dr. David R. Hammond, PhD Alternate Delegate ABET Board of Delegates 03/01/2012 02/28/2027
Dr. C. Dale Elifrits Past Delegate 03/01/2006 02/28/2027
Dr. Richard J. Sweigard Past Delegate ABET Board of Delegates 03/01/2017 02/28/2027

The Council of Education & Accreditation shall review and refer information and projects to the education subcommittees (Accreditation and Curricular Issues, and Student Member Affairs), receive and act when appropriate upon recommendations of the education subcommittees and Education Forum, and determine educational policy to be recommended to the SME Board of Directors.

The Council of Education & Accreditation also serves as the Ivan B. Rahn Education and Mineral Industry Education Award Committee. The Council of Education shall find a nominee whose contribution merits the award. Recipients of the award shall be selected through a nominating and voting process by the Council of Education with notification to the SME Executive Committee. 

The Council of Education Members are the current Chair and Vice-Chair of each education committee.

 

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Emily A. Sarver Chair Ed Sustainability Committee 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Robert Hall Chair 03/01/2024
Dr. Kramer D. Luxbacher, PhD Vice Chair Mineral School Department Head 03/01/2024 03/01/2030
Christopher A. Noble, PE, PHD Vice Chair Mineral School Department Head 02/02/2023 02/02/2030
Richard Ladouceur, PHD Vice Chair Council of Education 03/01/2025
Mona Vandervoort SME Staff 03/01/2007 02/28/2030

The mission of the Education Sustainability Committee is to develop specific, actionable recommendations that seek to address the long-term challenges that threaten the sustainability of U.S. Mining and Mineral Processing/Extractive Metallurgy academic degree granting programs.

The scope of the Committee includes programming/workshops, the facilitation of greater research opportunities for faculty, the collection and analysis of department/student data, and a variety of other efforts to promote stability of academic programs in minerals education and to improve the capacity of these programs to produce high-quality graduates for successful careers in industry and academia. 

Contact volunteer@smenet.org for more information.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Dr. Jamal Rostami Chair 03/01/2026 02/28/2028
Dr. Snehamoy Chatterjee, PhD Vice Chair 03/01/2026 02/29/2028
Emily A. Sarver Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2027
Dr. Moe Momayez Member At-Large 03/01/2019 02/28/2028
Dr. Janet Baron Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2028
Leigh W. Freeman Member 10/31/2023 02/28/2029
Angie M. Harmon Member 10/31/2023 02/28/2027
Andrea K. Martin Member 10/31/2023 02/28/2028
Jack Groppo Member 10/31/2023 02/28/2027
Ms Megan Martin SME Staff 04/03/2023 02/28/2030
Lorie Laessig SME Staff 04/25/2023 02/28/2030

The Mineral School Department Heads Committee provides information on the current status of enrollment of undergraduate and graduate students in the United States as well as educational institutions in other countries depending upon membership of the committee. The Committee is responsible for maintaining accurate records of the number of graduates from their respective programs.

Committee members are department heads of mineral education programs. 

Contact volunteer@smenet.org for more information. 

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Dr. Kramer D. Luxbacher, PhD Chair 03/01/2024 02/28/2030
Christopher A. Noble, PE, PHD Vice Chair 03/01/2024 02/28/2030
Robert Hall Member 11/18/2022 02/28/2030
Qingqing Huang Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2030
Dr. Tathagata Ghosh, PhD Member 11/10/2022 02/28/2030
M Stephen Enders Member 11/18/2022 02/28/2030
Dr. Zacharias G. Agioutantis Member 11/18/2022 02/28/2030
Dr Kwame Awuah-Offei Member 11/18/2022 02/28/2030
Scott D. Rosenthal, PE Member 11/18/2022 02/28/2030
Dr. Navid Mojtabai Member 11/18/2022 02/28/2030
Dr. Karoly C. Kocsis, Ph.D. Member 11/18/2022 02/28/2030
Christopher A. Noble, PE, PHD Member 03/17/2023 02/28/2030
Dr. Barbara J. Arnold Member 08/01/2023 02/28/2030
Dr Michael S. Moats, PHD Member 08/01/2023 02/28/2030
Jerry Downey Member 08/01/2023 02/02/2030
Dr. Michael L. Free Member 08/01/2023 02/28/2030
William M. Zisch Member 12/01/2023 02/28/2030
Aleksey Smirnov Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2030
Melissa Serdinsky SME Staff 10/21/2024 01/01/2050

The Student Member Affairs Committee shall provide career guidance, suggest and coordinate student activities, and exercise general supervision over SME Student Chapters. As part of its charge, the Committee shall develop, review and provide for the dissemination of career information. Members of the committee shall serve as judges for the annual SME Outstanding Student Chapter Contest and the SME Outstanding Student Paper Contest, undergraduate and graduate divisions.

Members of the Student Member Affairs Committee are nominated by their Division. Contact your Division for more information.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Kathleen M. Tew Chair Student Member Affairs Committee 03/01/2023 02/28/2028
Amy J Richins Vice Chair Student Member Affairs Committee 03/01/2025
Robert A. Kimutis Representative Coal & Energy Div 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Sabastine Nworie Representative Mining & Exploration Div 03/01/2025 02/28/2028
Joelson Alves Representative Mining & Exploration Div 03/01/2026 02/28/2029
Isabel Margarita Penaloza Araujo Representative Mineral & Metallurgical Processing Div 03/01/2026 02/28/2028
Simone Bailey Representative Environmental Div 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Xinbo Yang Representative Mineral & Metallurgical Processing Div 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Mona Vandervoort Liaison 10/16/2006

The MEC Committee provides the MEC with leadership and guidance and assists with fundraising and public outreach as appropriate on behalf of the MEC.

Contact volunteer@smenet.org for more information.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Lisa Rudstrom Chair 03/01/2026 02/29/2028
Chris Earnest Vice Chair 03/01/2026 02/29/2028
Kurt P. Doran Past Chair 03/01/2026 02/29/2028
Melissa Russell Executive Director, ex officio 09/29/2025 02/28/2045
Christy Miller Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2029
Madison Sandoval Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2029
Dr. C. Dale Elifrits Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Patrick A. Jacomet Member 03/01/2025 02/29/2028
Kathryn F. Kosloski Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Edward Wellman, PE, PG, CEG Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Chris Earnest Member 03/01/2025 02/29/2028
Dan O'Connor Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Charles L Zimmerman Member 03/01/2020 02/28/2029
Karen D. Rose Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2029
Lorie Laessig SME Staff 03/01/2023 02/28/2029
Ms Megan Martin SME Staff 11/01/2021 02/29/2028
Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Chris Earnest Chair 03/01/2026 02/29/2028
Dr. C. Dale Elifrits Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Patrick A. Jacomet Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2028
Mrs. Pamela A. K. Wilkinson Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Dan O'Connor Member 07/25/2024 02/28/2027
Rebecca Smith SME Staff - ex officio 03/01/2024 02/28/2029
Ms Megan Martin SME Staff - ex officio 03/01/2024 02/28/2029
Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Lisa Rudstrom Chair 03/01/2026 02/29/2028
Chris Earnest Vice Chair 03/01/2026 02/29/2028
Kurt P. Doran Past Chair 03/01/2026 02/29/2028
Melissa Russell Executive Director, ex officio 09/29/2025 02/28/2045
Ms Megan Martin SME Staff - ex officio 03/01/2024 02/28/2029
Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Kurt P. Doran Chair 03/01/2026 02/29/2028
Lisa Rudstrom Member 03/01/2026 02/29/2028
Wendi Cooksey Member 03/01/2026 02/29/2028
Amber Latimer Member 03/01/2026 02/29/2028
Christy Miller Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2029
Madison Sandoval Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2029
Kathryn F. Kosloski Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2029
Michael T. Myers, PE Member 03/01/2024 02/29/2028
Kathleen M. Tew Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2028
Sabastine Nworie Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2028
Hoy E. Frakes, Jr. Member 03/01/2024 02/29/2028
Ms Megan Martin SME Staff - ex officio 03/01/2024 02/28/2029

The MEC Scouting Subcommittee provides support, input and guidance of the MEC’s Scouting Outreach program efforts.

Contact volunteer@smenet.org for more information.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Charles L Zimmerman Chair 03/01/2023 02/28/2029
Dan O'Connor Member 03/01/2020 02/28/2029
Mr. Aaron S. Young Member 03/01/2023 02/29/2028
Karen D. Rose Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2029
Dan Alexander, PE, PHD, QP Member 03/01/2023 02/29/2028
Kathryn F. Kosloski Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2029
Mrs. Pamela A. K. Wilkinson Member 03/01/2023 02/29/2028
Edward Wellman, PE, PG, CEG Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2029
Mr. Allen T. Cooper Member 11/04/2024 02/29/2028
Ms Megan Martin SME Staff 11/01/2021 02/28/2029
Lorie Laessig SME Staff 03/01/2023 02/28/2029

The MMSA/SMEF Presidential Scholarship Committee is responsible for reviewing the applications and assist in selecting the recipients for the MMSA/SMEF Presidential Scholarship.

Contact volunteer@smenet.org for more information.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Jack S. McPartland Chair 03/01/2025 02/29/2028
Dr Andrea J. Brickey, PHD Representative 03/01/2025 02/29/2028
J. Steven Gardner, PE Representative 03/01/2025 02/29/2028
Dr. Hugh B. Miller Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2029
Ms Megan Martin SME Staff 11/08/2021
Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Peter M. Haarala, PE Chair 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Chris Earnest Member 03/01/2026 02/29/2028
Kurt P. Doran Member 03/01/2024 02/29/2028
Lisa Rudstrom Member 03/01/2024 02/29/2028
Kathleen M. Tew Member 03/01/2024 02/29/2028
Ms Megan Martin SME Staff - ex officio 03/01/2024 02/28/2029

The SMEF Trustees represent the leadership of the corporate and academic segment of the industry. They provide advice and guidance regarding the Foundation’s management, strategic planning and operations, with a focus centered on fundraising for programs and initiatives of SME. Acting as ambassadors for SMEF, Trustees are knowledgeable of all program areas and current projects needing funding and personally contribute the SMEF on an annual basis. SMEF Board of Trustees are elected to a three-year term.

These members have demonstrated the highest level of leadership ability in the above volunteer opportunities. Members are nominated to these positions.

To get started, contact volunteer@smenet.org for more information.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Mr. Andrew P. Cole President 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Peter M. Haarala, PE President-Elect 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Thomas C. Rauch Past President 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Bill A. Hancock Past President 03/01/2026 02/28/2027
Melissa Russell Secretary 09/29/2025 02/28/2045
Michael T. Myers, PE Individual Fundraising Officer 03/01/2022 02/28/2029
Dr. William H. Wilkinson Member 03/01/2022 02/28/2029
Gregory A. Beckstrom Member 03/01/2020 02/28/2029
Joshua F. Olmsted Member 03/01/2020 02/28/2029
Skylie Estep Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2029
Kurt P. Doran Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2029
Mr. Benjamin R. Hardman Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2029
Dr. Ronel Kappes Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2029
Tim Alch Member 03/01/2025 02/29/2028
David M. Goddard Member 03/01/2025 02/29/2028
Dr. Jaisen N. Kohmuench, PhD Member 03/01/2025 02/29/2028
Jill R. Nelson Member 03/01/2025 02/29/2028
Mrs Kathryn E. Marten Robertson Member 03/01/2025 02/29/2028
Mr. J. Eric Shereda Member 03/01/2025 02/29/2028
Sudhanshu Singh Member 03/01/2025 02/29/2028
Kathleen M. Tew Member 03/01/2025 02/29/2028
Paul Vuljanic Member 03/01/2025 02/29/2028
Dr. C. Dale Elifrits Member 03/01/2018 02/28/2027
Catherine A. Joyner Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2029
Garland Davis Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Michael J. Deal Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
James P. Metsa Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Jay R. Nopola Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Kathryn F. Kosloski Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2029
Ms Megan Martin SME Staff 11/08/2021 02/28/2029

The Corporate Giving Committee (CGC) works with Foundation staff to identify corporate prospects and solicit contributions to programs for which the Foundation seeks support. The Committee identifies potential prospects, collaborates with staff regarding marketing strategies, and sets annual fundraising goals and benchmarks. This Committee consists of two co-chairs nominated by the Nominating Committee, based on merit and knowledge of industry leaders, and appointed by the Board of Trustees for a term of two years.

These members are nominated from within the SMEF Board of Trustees.

To get started, contact volunteer@smenet.org for more information.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Catherine A. Joyner Chair 03/01/2024 02/28/2029
Mr. Andrew P. Cole President 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Michael J. Deal Vice Chair 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Melissa Russell Secretary 09/29/2025 02/28/2045
Garland Davis Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
James P. Metsa Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Dr. Jaisen N. Kohmuench, PhD Member 03/01/2022 02/29/2028
Sudhanshu Singh Member 03/01/2022 02/29/2028
Gregory A. Beckstrom Member 03/01/2020 02/28/2029
Thomas C. Rauch Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Tim Alch Member 03/01/2025 02/29/2028
David M. Goddard Member 03/01/2025 02/29/2028
Paul Vuljanic Member 03/01/2025 02/29/2028
Skylie Estep Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2029
Mr. Benjamin R. Hardman Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2029
Dr. Ronel Kappes Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2029
Jay R. Nopola Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Joshua F. Olmsted Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2029
Jill R. Nelson Member 03/01/2016 02/29/2028
Ms Megan Martin SME Staff 11/08/2021 02/28/2029

The SMEF Executive Committee is authorized to exercise all business and powers of the Board of Trustees, subject to specific directions or limitations imposed by the Board of Trustees. Executive Committee members serve on the Executive Committee for two year terms in each position. The Executive Committee meets on a frequent basis, as determined by the President, to facilitate the daily operations of the Foundation.

These members are nominated from within the SMEF Board of Trustees.

To get started, contact volunteer@smenet.org for more information.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Mr. Andrew P. Cole President 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Catherine A. Joyner Co-Chair 03/01/2024 02/28/2029
Peter M. Haarala, PE President-Elect 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Thomas C. Rauch Past President 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Bill A. Hancock Past President 03/01/2026 02/28/2027
Melissa Russell Secretary 09/29/2025 02/28/2045
Michael T. Myers, PE Individual Fundraising Officer 03/01/2022 02/28/2029
Ms Megan Martin SME Staff 11/08/2021 02/28/2029

The Individual Fundraising Committee (IFC) is responsible for direct solicitations of individual support for the Foundation. The IFC works with the SMEF Executive Committee to establish endowment strategies and suggests target audiences for specific fundraising efforts.

These members are nominated from within the SMEF Board of Trustees.

To get started, contact volunteer@smenet.org for more information.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Mr. J. Eric Shereda Vice Chair 03/01/2022 02/29/2028
Michael T. Myers, PE Co-Chair 03/01/2022 02/28/2029
Melissa Russell Secretary 09/29/2025 02/28/2045
Peter M. Haarala, PE Member 03/01/2022 02/28/2027
Kathleen M. Tew Member 03/01/2022 02/29/2028
Kurt P. Doran Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2029
Mrs Kathryn E. Marten Robertson Member 03/01/2025 02/29/2028
Dr. William H. Wilkinson Member 03/01/2017 02/28/2029
Kathryn F. Kosloski Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2029
Dr. C. Dale Elifrits Member 03/01/2019 02/28/2027
Ms Megan Martin SME Staff 11/08/2021 02/28/2029

The SMEF Nominating Committee consists of five SMEF Trustees who are responsible for nominating a slate of proposed Trustees to fill any expired terms or other vacancies on the Board of Trustees.

These members are nominated from within the SMEF Board of Trustees.

To get started, contact volunteer@smenet.org for more information.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Mr. Andrew P. Cole Chair 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Melissa Russell Executive Director, ex officio 09/29/2025 02/28/2045
Thomas C. Rauch Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Peter M. Haarala, PE Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
James P. Metsa Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2027
Dr. William H. Wilkinson Member 03/01/2013 02/28/2029
Ms Megan Martin SME Staff 11/08/2021 02/28/2029

The SMEF Scholarship Committee is responsible for reviewing the applications and selecting the recipients for the MMSA/SMEF Presidential Scholarship, J. H. Fletcher & Co Scholarship, Stantec/McIntosh Engineering Scholarship, the Ernest K. Lehmann Memorial Scholarship and the George V. Weisdack Memorial Scholarship.

These members are nominated from within the SMEF Board of Trustees.

To get started, contact volunteer@smenet.org for more information.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Thomas C. Rauch Chair 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Garland Davis Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2027
Dr. C. Dale Elifrits Member 03/01/2016 02/28/2027
Jill R. Nelson Member 08/08/2019 02/29/2028

The Syd S. and Felicia F. Peng Ground Control in Mining Award Committee administers the Peng Award under the direction of the SME Board of Directors. This committee is composed of five members who are chosen based on their demonstrated ability and track record for dealing with ground control issues in mining.

Contact volunteer@smenet.org for more information.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Rudrajit Mitra, PHD Chair 03/01/2026 02/28/2029
Gregory J. Hasenfus Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2029
Mr Yang Li, PHD Member 03/01/2021 02/28/2027
Christopher R. Newman Member 08/01/2024 02/28/2027
Joe Wickline, PG Member 08/01/2024 02/28/2027
Dr. Rob Thomas Member 03/01/2022 02/29/2028
Ihsan Tulu Member 03/01/2022 02/29/2028
Ms Megan Martin SME Staff 11/08/2021
Lorie Laessig SME Staff 03/01/2015 02/28/2029

The Syd S. and Felicia F. Peng Ground Control in Mining Scholarship Committee is responsible for reviewing the applications and selecting the recipients for the Syd S. and Felicia F. Peng Ground Control in Mining Scholarship based on applicants’ combination of financial need and academic promise.

Contact volunteer@smenet.org for more information.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Ted M. Klemetti, II Chair 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Mr Yang Li, PHD Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Rudrajit Mitra, PHD Member 03/01/2025 02/29/2028
Dr. Rob Thomas Member 03/01/2025 02/29/2028
Ihsan Tulu Member 03/01/2025 02/29/2028
Joe Wickline, PG Member 08/01/2024 02/28/2027
Christopher R. Newman Member 08/01/2024 02/28/2027
Ms Megan Martin SME Staff 11/08/2021

SME Annual Conference planning committee members are appointed by their Division. For more information, please contact your Division.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Rudrajit Mitra, PHD Representative Industrial Minerals & Aggregates Div 03/01/2026 02/28/2027
Kimberly D. Mills, PHD Representative Mineral & Metallurgical Processing Div 03/01/2026 02/28/2027
Matthew H. Main Representative Health & Safety Div 03/01/2026 02/28/2027
Tara K. Davis SME Staff 03/01/2012 02/28/2030

SME Annual Conference planning committee members are appointed by their Division. For more information, please contact your Division.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Rudrajit Mitra, PHD Representative Industrial Minerals & Aggregates Div 03/01/2025
Kimberly D. Mills, PHD Representative Mineral & Metallurgical Processing Div 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Matthew H. Main Representative Health & Safety Div 03/01/2026
Tara K. Davis SME Staff 03/01/2012 02/28/2030

The SME Audit Committee's primary function is to assist the SME BOD in fulfilling its fiduciary responsibilities by  reviewing (1) the quality and integrity of the organization’s financial statements, (2) the SME’s systems of internal accounting and financial controls, (3) compliance with laws and regulations and the company’s ethics programs as applicable, and (4) the external audit processes, including the external auditor’s qualifications and independence.

SME members are nominated for these positions, based on past SME leadership experience and demonstrated skills.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Resa Furey Chair 03/01/2023 02/28/2028
Ms. Anne L. Williamson President-Elect 03/01/2026 03/31/2027
Dr Ravi Ravishankar Representative 03/01/2025 02/29/2028
George A. Sturgis, Jr. Member 03/01/2025 02/29/2028
Dr. Corby G. Anderson Member 03/01/2025 02/29/2028
Jonathon L. Pianetti Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Ruby Barickman Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Robert Nick Gow Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2029
Mr. William Pratt Rogers Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2029
Michelle Hegarty SME Staff 09/13/2024 02/28/2030

This committee will serve as a multidisciplinary forum for stakeholders from industry, manufacturing, academia, and regulatory agencies to exchange insights, present research, and discuss the current state and future direction of technology deployment in mining environments.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Dr. joel M. haight Chair 11/18/2025 02/28/2027
Brad Baillio Vice Chair 11/18/2025 02/28/2027
Steven J. Schafrik Past Chair 11/18/2025 02/28/2027
Jim Haughey Secretary-Treasurer 11/18/2025 02/28/2027
Nathalie Risso Program Chair 11/18/2025 02/28/2027
Nick Letzkus Liaison 11/18/2025 02/28/2030

The committee aims to identify and develop future SME leaders through the SME Board of Directors Internship Program. Annually, the committee will:

  • Recruit and recommend intern candidates to the SME Board of Directors.
  • Evaluate and update the SME Board of Directors Internship Program Handbook as needed.

SME members receive a nomination from their Division to serve in one of these positions, based on past SME leadership experience and demonstrated skills. For more information, please contact your Division

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Dr. Courtney A. Young Representative Board of Directors 12/23/2024 02/28/2027
Justin D. Anderson Representative Board of Directors 12/23/2024 03/31/2027
Gregory F. Sutton Representative Mining & Exploration Div 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Amy J Richins Representative Underground Construction Association 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Jen Pepe Representative Environmental Div 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Jim Haughey Representative Coal & Energy Div 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Dr. Jaeheon Lee Representative Mineral & Metallurgical Processing Div 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Riddhika Jain Representative Industrial Minerals & Aggregates Div 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Raven Refuerzo SME Staff 04/01/2020 02/28/2030

The Bulk Material Handling (BMH) Committee was established to enhance the BMH community through networking, knowledge advancement, education, research, career development, and support for young professionals. The Committee fosters practical discussions on all aspects of bulk material handling, aiming to build strong, sustainable global relationships with stakeholders.

Committee members are chosen for their technical expertise. Please email your resume and statement of interest to volunteer@smenet.org.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Todd I. Hollingsworth Short Course Chair 11/13/2024
Michael W. Murray, B.S.M.E Chair 11/26/2024 02/28/2035
Seth J. Knutson Communications Chair 11/26/2024 02/28/2035
Christopher R. Cooper Session Chair 11/13/2024
Carrie Hartford, B.S.M.E, PE Technical Committee Chair 11/13/2024
Erik R. Groves Member 11/13/2024
Eric T. Michiels, PE MBA Member 11/13/2024
Greg S. Bierie Member 11/13/2024
Nicole R. Neuman Member 11/13/2024
Ashok B. Amin Member 11/13/2024 02/28/2035
Brett E. DeVries Member 11/13/2024 02/28/2035
Chad Brown Member 11/13/2024 02/28/2035
Hadi Rashidi Member 11/13/2024 02/28/2035
Jeffrey Ellis Member 11/13/2024 02/28/2035
Laura Hoggan Member 11/13/2024 02/28/2034
Marcus J. dos Santos Member 11/13/2024 02/28/2035
Mark Rubalcava Member 11/13/2024 02/28/2035
Peter R. Sehl Member 11/13/2024 02/28/2035
Sergio Maldonado Member 11/13/2024 02/28/2035
Rick Fulmer Member 11/26/2024 02/28/2035
Michael T. Myers, PE Member 11/26/2024 02/28/2035
David W. Keech, P.E. Member 03/01/2012 02/28/2035
Tara K. Davis SME Staff 03/01/2015 02/28/2035

The ESG Toolkit Committee provides impartial, informative, and credible information about Environmental Stewardship, Social Responsibility and Governance (ESG) topics, case studies, and general information using a public website. Our committee is elected annually in February to serve 1-year terms. All year, we are in need of volunteers to identify and review resources. We meet virtually and in person throughout the year.

SME members are chosen for their expertise and demonstrated skills. To work with this committee, please email your resume and statement of interest to volunteer@smenet.org.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Ms. Dayan J. Anderson Program Area Manager Environmental 03/01/2025 02/28/2028
Peter Bojtos, P.Eng. Program Area Manager Governance 01/23/2024 02/28/2028
David Draper Chair 03/01/2026 03/01/2027
Vikas Tandon, PG, PHD Vice Chair 03/01/2026 03/01/2027
Kathleen M. Tew Past Chair 03/01/2026 03/01/2027
Mark N. Savit Member At-Large 03/01/2022 02/28/2028
Rebecca Smith SME Staff 03/01/2022 02/28/2028

The Finance Committee shall review annual budget and provide a recommendation to Board regarding its approval, review the investment program for SME and SMEF and confirm advisors are following the Investment Policy Statement, make recommendations, as advised by SME/SMEF investment management firm, for modifications to the investment program, review the Investment Policy Statement and provide Board with any recommended modifications, and review revenue achievement and broadly understand SME’s business model.

SME members receive a nomination to serve on this committee, based on past SME leadership experience and demonstrated skills.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Grant A. Malensek, P.Eng./P.Geo. Chair 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Dr Ravi Ravishankar Representative 03/01/2025 02/29/2028
Michael P. Donkor, MBA, PE Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2028
Dr. Janet Baron Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2028
David Losoff Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Lisa N. Gonzales Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Tom Brady Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2029
Mrs Katie E. List Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2029
Michelle Hegarty SME Staff 09/04/2024 02/28/2030

The government relations and public affairs committee helps leverage the expertise of its membership to create a system for providing timely, accurate, factbased, non-partisan technical information in response to urgent inquiries from SME stakeholders on topics concerning mining, minerals and extractive industries; and has developed a structured program to create Technical Briefing papers for informing and educating SME audiences.

SME members are nominated for these positions based on prior leadership experience and demonstrated skills.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Dr. Rick Honaker, PhD Representative Mineral & Metallurgical Processing Div 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Mrs Kathryn E. Marten Robertson Representative Mining & Exploration Div 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Joseph Pere Representative Environmental Div 03/01/2024 02/28/2028
Adele L. Abrams, CMSP Representative Health & Safety Div 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Beatriz Zataray Member At-Large 03/01/2023 02/28/2027
Jen Pepe Member At-Large 03/01/2023 02/28/2027
Ms. Kathryn Larson Member At-Large 03/01/2023 02/28/2027
Charles Blair Member 01/09/2026
Michael Spicher Member At-Large 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Mr Peter Critikos, PE, QP Member At-Large 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Melissa Russell SME Staff 09/29/2025 02/28/2045
Tara K. Davis SME Staff 12/19/2017 02/28/2050

Ground Control Conference planning committee members are chosen for their technical expertise. Please email your resume and statement of interest to volunteer@smenet.org.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Mr Yang Li, PHD Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2030
Tara K. Davis SME Staff 03/01/2021 02/28/2050

The Inclusion & Diversity committee will identify how inclusion and diversity can be harnessed to create solutions for SME and/or the industry. The committee offers strategic guidance and programming to support SME's I&D initiatives.

SME members are chosen for their expertise and demonstrated skills. To self-nominate for a position on this committee, please email your resume and statement of interest to volunteer@smenet.org.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Elham Abaie Representative Environmental Div 03/01/2025 02/28/2028
Kathy A. Adams Representative Mineral & Metallurgical Processing Div 03/01/2025 02/28/2028
Christopher M. Nyikos Representative Coal & Energy Div 03/01/2025 02/28/2028
Karin Harrington SME Staff 03/01/2021
Laura A. Nelson SME Staff 03/01/2021

The International Academy of Mine Safety & Health (IAMSH) of SME administers the CMSP program. This board is comprised of individuals committed to promoting the CMSP credential and enhancing health and safety in mining. IAMSH board members are elected annually in February to serve 3-year terms. We meet virtually each month, and in-person at the SME Annual Conference.

If you're interested in volunteering or joining the IAMSH board, please email cmsp@smenet.org.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Robert Pedigo Chair 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Kimberly Walster, CMSP Vice Chair 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Mr. John R. Loff-Peterson, CMSP, CRSP, CSP Past President 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Scott Stilgenbauer Secretary 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Chad Triebwasser, CMSP, CSP, MBA Member 06/30/2023 02/28/2027
Daniel Curry, CMSP Member 05/24/2023 02/28/2027
Christopher J. Pecora, CMSP Member 05/24/2023 02/28/2027
Jeremy Mollet Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2028
Mr Donald Hamilton, CMSP Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2028
Lara Sims, CMSP Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2028
Purushotham Tukkaraja, PHD, QP Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2028
Patrick James, CMSP Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2028
JT Lincoln SME Staff 03/01/2024

The International Academy of Mine Safety & Health (IAMSH) of SME administers the CMSP program. This board is comprised of individuals committed to promoting the CMSP credential and enhancing health and safety in mining. IAMSH board members are elected annually in February to serve 3-year terms. We meet virtually each month, and in-person at the SME Annual Conference.

If you're interested in volunteering or joining the IAMSH board, please email cmsp@smenet.org.

The Journal Oversight Committee provides input and feedback on the strategic direction of the Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (MME) journal, the quality of the journal and inclusivity of authors and topics, and ensures the journal represents the breadth of SME. Committee members act as ambassadors for the journal and help solicit authors and nominate reviewers, and can nominate future members of the Editorial Board.

Committee members are appointed by their Division. For more information, please contact your Division.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Dr. Ronel Kappes Chair 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Dr. Erik C. Westman Editor-in-Chief 03/01/2021 02/28/2027
James E. Gebhardt, PE, PHD Editor-in-Chief 03/01/2021 02/28/2027
Dr. Rick Honaker, PhD Representative Mineral & Metallurgical Processing Div 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Dr Ebrahim Karimi-Tarshizi, MBA, PHD Representative Mining & Exploration Div 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Chee Theng SME Staff 03/01/2018 02/28/2050

The Mining Engineering Committee will review papers or assign reviewers as requested by the Mining Engineering staff and provide advice on magazine content, including potential writers, topics, industry trends, and advertisers. Members serve a two-year term and are nominated by thier SME Division.

For more information, please contact your Division.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Michael A. Trevits, MBA, PG Representative Coal & Energy Div 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Cole Mayer Representative Environmental Div 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Clay A. McNail Representative Mining & Exploration Div 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Juan Burrola Representative Mining & Exploration Div 03/01/2026 02/28/2028
Liane T S George Representative 03/01/2025 02/28/2027

Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (MME) publishes high-quality, peer-reviewed papers in the fields of mining, mineral/metallurgical processing and exploration/geology.

Applications to serve in one of these positions can be submitted by SME members with PhDs or higher and will considered by the Chief Editors for acceptance or rejection based on many factors, including whether there is a current need on the Editorial Board for the applicant’s relevant expertise. Self-nominate by emailing your resume and interest statement to volunteer@smenet.org.

To submit your paper to the journal, access author instructions here.

 

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Dr Kwame Awuah-Offei Associate Editor 03/01/2018 02/28/2027
Dr Andrea J. Brickey, PHD Associate Editor 03/01/2018 02/28/2027
Dr Elisabeth Clausen Associate Editor 03/01/2018 02/28/2027
Dr. Rajive Ganguli Associate Editor 03/01/2018 02/28/2027
Philipp Hartlieb Associate Editor 03/01/2018 02/28/2027
Dr. Mehmet S. Kizil, PhD Associate Editor 03/01/2018 02/28/2027
Dr Stanley T. Krukowski, PHD Associate Editor 03/01/2018 02/28/2027
Dr. Hamid-Reza Manouchehri Associate Editor 03/01/2018 02/28/2027
John O. Marsden, PE Associate Editor 03/01/2018 02/28/2027
Rudrajit Mitra, PHD Associate Editor 03/01/2018 02/28/2027
Dr. Pierre F. Mousset-Jones Associate Editor 03/01/2018 02/28/2027
Dr. Biswajit Samanta Associate Editor 03/01/2018 02/28/2027
Purushotham Tukkaraja, PHD, QP Associate Editor 03/01/2018 02/28/2027
Dr Tarun Bhambhani Associate Editor 03/07/2019 02/28/2028
Dr. Timothy C. Eisele Associate Editor 10/22/2019 02/28/2027
Robert Nick Gow Associate Editor 10/14/2019 02/28/2027
Dr. Frank F. Roberto Associate Editor 03/07/2019 02/28/2028
Mr. William Pratt Rogers Associate Editor 03/01/2018 02/28/2027
Dr. Isabel F. Barton Associate Editor 10/17/2018 02/28/2028
Christopher A. Noble, PE, PHD Associate Editor 10/17/2018 02/28/2028
Yongjun Peng Associate Editor 12/12/2018 02/28/2027
Dr. Mary M. Poulton Associate Editor 03/01/2021 02/28/2027
Xu Ma Associate Editor 04/14/2022 02/28/2028
Weiguo Xie Associate Editor 06/20/2023 02/28/2027
Dr. Snehamoy Chatterjee, PhD Associate Editor 06/20/2023 02/28/2027
Jianwei Cheng Associate Editor 06/20/2023 02/28/2027
Aman Soni Associate Editor 06/20/2023 02/28/2027
Pengbo Chu Associate Editor 03/24/2024 02/28/2027
Sunil Tripathy Associate Editor 03/24/2024 02/28/2027
Radhakanta Koner Associate Editor 11/05/2024 02/28/2028
Mr Tushar Gupta Associate Editor 09/22/2024 02/28/2028
Rohit Pandey Associate Editor 10/23/2024 02/28/2028
Guang Xu, PhD Associate Editor 10/23/2024 02/28/2028
Mr Rushikesh Battulwar Associate Editor 10/31/2024 02/28/2028
Dr. Arja J. Jewbali Associate Editor 04/28/2025 02/28/2028
Denise Levitan, PG, PHD Associate Editor 04/01/2025 02/28/2028
Shaosen Ma Associate Editor 04/01/2025 02/28/2028
Dr. Virginia T. McLemore Associate Editor 03/01/2025 02/28/2028
Nathan Manser, PHD Associate Editor 04/08/2025 02/28/2028
Fangyu Liu Associate Editor 08/15/2023 02/28/2027
Dr. Nikhil Dhawan Associate Editor 08/18/2023 02/28/2027
Christos Roumpos Associate Editor 04/17/2024 02/28/2028
Sampurna Arya Associate Editor 09/01/2021 02/28/2028
Wencai Zhang Associate Editor 09/01/2021 02/28/2028
Dr. Zacharias G. Agioutantis Associate Editor 03/01/2021 02/28/2027
Dr. Sekhar Bhattacharyya, PhD PE MBA Associate Editor 03/01/2021 02/28/2027
Mustafa Kumral Associate Editor 03/01/2021 02/28/2027
D. R. Nagaraj, PHD Associate Editor 07/13/2020 02/28/2027
Dr Juan Yarmuch, B.S.M.E, M.Sc, PHD Associate Editor 04/01/2020 02/28/2027
Ravi Ray Associate Editor 10/01/2025 10/01/2028
Adrian D. Van Rythoven, PhD Associate Editor 09/30/2025 09/30/2026
Yuksel Asli Sari Associate Editor 12/01/2025 12/01/2028
Dr. Abani R. Samal, PhD Associate Editor 11/05/2025 02/28/2028
Pedram Roghanchi Associate Editor 07/22/2025 02/28/2028
Ashish R. Kumar, PE Associate Editor 07/22/2025 02/28/2028
Dr Angelina K. Anani Associate Editor 07/22/2025 02/28/2028
Dr. Ronel Kappes Executive Editor 03/01/2021 02/28/2027
Dr. Erik C. Westman Editor-in-Chief 03/01/2021 02/28/2027
James E. Gebhardt, PE, PHD Editor-in-Chief 03/01/2021 02/28/2027
Chee Theng SME Staff 03/01/2018 02/28/2027
Carrie Smith SME Staff 07/01/2024 02/28/2029

The SME Nominating Committee is responsible for the selections of the SME President-Elect, incoming members to the Board of Directors, incoming members to the SME Strategic Committees, (Association Growth, Industry Innovation, Industry Workforce, and Responsible Mining and Underground Construction), Audit Committee, Finance Committee and Structure and Governance Committee which are scheduled to be or otherwise become vacant at the end of the next annual meeting of the Society's membership.

SME members receive a nomination to serve on this committee, based on past SME leadership experience and demonstrated skills.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Mary B. Korpi President 03/01/2026 02/28/2027
Ms. Anne L. Williamson President-Elect 03/01/2026 02/28/2027
Bill A. Hancock Past President 03/01/2026 02/28/2027
Melissa Russell SME Executive Director-ex officio 03/01/2026 02/28/2045
Dr Ravi Ravishankar Representative Board of Directors 03/01/2026 02/28/2027
Michael Routledge Representative Board of Directors 03/01/2026 02/28/2027
Mr. David W. Bieber Member 03/01/2025 02/29/2028
Dr. Virginia T. McLemore Member 03/01/2025 02/29/2028
Donald C. Dwyer Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
James P. Metsa Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Ms. Jenessa L. Haarala Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2029
Thomas C. Rauch Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2029
Genny Homyack SME Staff - ex officio 10/20/2014 02/28/2050

One member of the OTC Program Committee is nominated to represent SME on the OTC Board of Directors. Contact volunteer@smenet.org for more information.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Christopher J. Wyatt Chair 03/01/2021 02/28/2027
Katie Stoll Vice Chair 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Dan R McConnell OTC Board of Directors 01/07/2019 02/28/2027
Dr. John C. Wiltshire Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Dr. George J. Moridis Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Mrs. Laurie E. Meyer Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Julian E. Denegre Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Gregory A. Beckstrom Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Dr. Charles L. Morgan Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Mr. Mark Mussett Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Mary Thomas SME Staff 03/01/2025 02/28/2030
Ms Cori Knasinski SME Staff 03/01/2022 02/28/2030

OneMine.org is a collaborative effort among 14 global societies and associations to gather the world's leading technical information about mining, minerals, and underground construction.

SME members are nominated for these committee positions based on prior leadership experience and demonstrated skills.

 

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Dr. Zacharias G. Agioutantis President 03/01/2022 02/28/2031
Dr. Nikhil C. Trivedi President-Elect 03/01/2018 02/28/2031
Michael A. Trevits, MBA, PG Past President 03/01/2023 02/28/2050
Dave Clark Representative AusIMM 03/01/2020 02/28/2031
Hojong Kim Representative TMS 03/01/2022 02/28/2050
Dr Kwame Awuah-Offei Representative WAIMM 03/01/2019 02/28/2031
Rudrajit Mitra, PHD Representative 03/01/2024 02/28/2050
Dr. Corby G. Anderson Representative 03/01/2024 02/28/2031
Dr Sven Petersen Representative 03/01/2024 02/28/2031
Matt Zappulla Representative 03/01/2023 02/28/2031

Rapid Excavation and Tunneling Conference planning committee members are chosen for their technical expertise. Please email your resume and statement of interest to volunteer@smenet.org.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Brian G. Hagan Program Co-Chair 07/01/2021 06/30/2033
Samer Sadek Program Co-Chair 07/01/2021 06/30/2031
Jarrett E. Carlson Member 07/01/2017 02/28/2029
Scott W. Hoffman, PE Member 07/01/2015 06/30/2027
Gregg W. Davidson Member 07/01/2017 06/30/2027
Jesse Salai Member 07/01/2023 06/30/2033
Nestor Garavelli Member 07/01/2019 06/30/2031
Frank Pepe, Jr. Member 07/01/2019 06/30/2029
Matt L. Swinton Member 07/01/2023 06/30/2035
Tara K. Davis SME Staff 03/01/2017 02/28/2050

Committee members must be Registered Members and are chosen for their technical expertise. Please email your resume and statement of interest to volunteer@smenet.org.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Mr John C. Barber, PE Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2029
Roger J. Sawyer Member 08/01/2019 02/28/2027
W. David Tyler Member 03/01/2021 02/28/2028
John A. Rusnak Member 09/01/2021 02/28/2029

Committee members are nominated from the Registered Member Admission Committeee.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Dr Douglas F. Hambley, PE, PG, PHD Member 03/01/2021 02/28/2027
Thomas E. Newman, PG Member 12/13/2023 02/28/2028
Roger B. Cooper Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2028
Dana C. Willis, PG Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2030

Committee members are chosen for their technical expertise. Please email your resume and statement of interest to volunteer@smenet.org.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
James C. Young Co-Chair 03/01/2025
David W. Armstrong Member 03/16/2025
Penne Goplerud Member 03/16/2025
Fred G. Heivilin Member 03/01/2025
Luke Stephens Member 03/16/2025
Gordon Sobering Member 03/01/2025
Brian L. Anderson, PE Member 03/24/2025
Dr Kwame Awuah-Offei Member 03/16/2025
Michael P Bohan Member 03/16/2025
Mr. Andrew A. Brodkey Member 03/16/2025
Shaun Chanter Member 03/01/2025
Peter E. Christensen Member 03/01/2025
Mr. Kent Cramer Member 03/01/2025
Dr. Kadri Dagdelen Member 03/01/2025
Thomas L. Dyer Member 03/01/2025
Tarryn Flitton Member 03/01/2025
Dr Greg J. Gosson Member 03/16/2025
Dr Douglas F. Hambley, PE, PG, PHD Member 03/01/2025
Michael G. Hester Member 03/01/2025
Richard J. Lambert Member 03/01/2025
Grant A. Malensek, P.Eng./P.Geo. Member 03/16/2025
Chris M. Miller Member 03/01/2025
Thomas E. Newman, PG Member 03/01/2025
Edwin R. Peralta Member 03/01/2025
Jorge Peres Member 03/01/2025
Adam A. Piatkowski Member 03/24/2025
Dr. Abani R. Samal, PhD Member 03/01/2025
Stella M. Searston Member 03/01/2025
Michael B. Toelle Member 03/01/2025
Berkley Tracy Member 03/01/2025
David B. Travis Member 03/01/2025
Andrea K. Martin Member 03/16/2025
Dr. Susan B. Patton Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2028
Julio M. Villon Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2028
Lynn Olssen Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2028
Gabriel Paulo Santos Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2028
W. David Tyler Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2028
Leonardo Figueiredo De Faria Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2028
Tara K. Davis SME Staff 03/01/2025 02/28/2050

The SME Professional Engineers (PE) Committee supports SME members who are PEs or are aspiring to become licensed.

The committee meets in person twice a year in South Carolina and once at SME Annual Conference to update the exam and exam study guide, and virtually as needed.

Individual members support the committee’s work, including presentations to professionals, communicating with students, and other support throughout the year, meeting virtually and in person.

Committee members are chosen for their technical expertise and must be a licensed Professional Engineer and a member of SME. If you fit this criteria, please email your resume and statement of interest to volunteer@smenet.org.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Caitln Strong Representative 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Jason Sexauer Representative Mining & Exploration Div 03/01/2025 02/28/2028
Kyle P. Murphy Representative Mining & Exploration Div 03/01/2025 02/28/2028
Michael J. McGlynn Member Mineral & Metallurgical Processing Division 03/31/2025 02/28/2027
Dr Joshua Werner, B.S.M.E, PE, PHD Member Mineral & Metallurgical Processing Division 03/31/2025 02/28/2027
Mr Naci Umut Duru, PE, PHD Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2028
Tara K. Davis SME Staff 03/01/2025 02/28/2050
Dr. Andrew P. Schissler, PE SME Staff PE Coordinator 03/01/2021 02/28/2050

The Structure and Governance Committee ensures the mission, purpose, and structure of the SME standing committees align with the goals of the SME Strategic Plan, to review changes to any SME standing committee, and to ensure the committees conform to the SME Bylaws.

SME members are nominated to serve in one of these positions, based on past SME leadership experience and demonstrated skills.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Mrs Genevieve M. Sutton Chair 03/01/2024 02/28/2028
Justin D. Anderson Representative Board of Directors 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Dr. Mary M. Poulton Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Dr. Ronel Kappes Member 03/01/2025 02/29/2028
Jaye T. Pickarts Member 03/01/2025 02/29/2028
Dr. Zacharias G. Agioutantis Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2027
Dr Andrea J. Brickey, PHD Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2029
Jordan Oxborrow Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2027
Ms Melanie Penoyar-Perez SME Staff 03/01/2018 02/28/2075

The Sustainable Development Committee focuses on developing, monitoring, and assessing sustainable development criteria for mineral operations, as well as creating and sharing best practices for sustainability.

SME members are chosen for this committee based on demonstrated experience and/or expertise. Email your resume and statement of interest to volunteer@smenet.org.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Susan B. Bealko, MS, MPH Representative Coal & Energy Div 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Mr Timothy W Lambert Representative Mining & Exploration Div 03/01/2026 02/28/2028
Dr Ravi Ravishankar Member 01/12/2024
Joseph Starwood Member 01/12/2024
Jen Nutini Member 01/12/2024
Eric J. Brandjord Member At Large 03/01/2020 02/28/2030
Judith Bolis Member At-Large 03/01/2020 02/28/2030
David Varing SME Staff 04/25/2023 02/28/2030
Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Mark C. Johnson Chair 07/01/2025
Charles Hanskat Member 07/01/2025
Colin A. Lawrence Member 07/01/2021
Mr. Robert A. Robinson Member 07/01/2021
Michael P. Bruen Member 07/01/2021
Mr. Shane H. Yanagisawa Member 07/01/2021
John Huh Member 07/01/2025
William M. Gleason SME Staff 07/01/2021

The purose of this committee is to bring attention and focus to tailings and waste management by providing a platform for the sharing of knowledge, technical information, relevant data and best practices among SME members and other institutions; and to participate and collaborate with groups and institutions to ensure that SME members have a voice in the creation and development of policies, guidelines and standards that could affect their waste and tailings management operations.

SME members are chosen for their expertise and demonstrated skills. To work with this committee, please email your resume and statement of interest to volunteer@smenet.org.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Brett Byler Webinar Subcommittee Co-Chair 03/01/2023 02/28/2030
Joseph Scalia Filtered Tailings Task Force Chair 03/01/2022 02/28/2030
Todd W. Wisdom Filtered Tailings Task Force Vice Chair 03/01/2023 02/28/2030
Miguel Gutierrez Webinar Subcommittee 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Katie Kruger Chair 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Rachel Jansen Vice Chair 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Jeremy Diehlmann Vice Chair 04/25/2025 04/24/2026
Amanda Adams Past Chair 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Mr Cristian David Cardenas Triana Representative Young Leaders Committee 03/01/2022 02/28/2030
Christina Winckler Member 03/01/2020 02/28/2030
Kate Patterson Member 03/01/2020 02/28/2037
Christopher J. Pecora, CMSP Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Joseph R Bindner Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Tara K. Davis SME Staff 03/01/2020 02/28/2050
Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Sanja Zlatanic Chair 04/15/2025
Mr. John T. DiPonio Member 04/15/2025
Michael F. Roach Member 04/15/2025
Derek A. Zoldy Member 04/15/2025
Mark C. Johnson Member 04/15/2025
Robert Goodfellow Member 04/15/2025
Sarah H. Wilson Member 04/15/2025
Giuseppe M. Gaspari Member 04/15/2025
Ray C. Brainard Member 04/15/2025
Colin A. Lawrence Member 04/15/2025
Dorothy McKie Member 04/15/2025
Ms. Amanda M. Morgan Member 04/15/2025
Paul Nicholas Member 04/15/2025
Don E. Del Nero, II Member 04/15/2025

Committee members are nominated based on expertise. Please email your resume and statement of interest to volunteer@smenet.org.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Rachel Vass Member 03/01/2025
John J. Manes, CMA, CPG, PG Member 03/01/2025
Tara K. Davis SME Staff 03/01/2025 02/28/2050

SME Strategic Goal: SME creates value and unites OUR community. Objectives: 1) Promote effective partnerships. 2) Enhance member engagement at all levels of the organization. 3) Enhance opportunities for inclusivity and access to all programs and activities. 4) Promote initiatives to engage the next generation of leaders.

SME members receive a nomination to serve in one of these positions, based on past SME leadership experience and demonstrated skills.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Lindsey Schultz, MBA Chair 03/01/2026 02/29/2028
Michael Routledge Representative 03/01/2025 02/29/2028
Jennifer Baar Member 03/01/2025 02/29/2028
Kathleen M. Tew Member 03/01/2025 02/29/2028
Peter M. Haarala, PE Member 11/12/2024 02/28/2027
Simone Bailey Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2029
Dr Kwame Awuah-Offei Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2027
Maureen Moore Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2029
Laura A. Nelson SME Staff 03/01/2020 02/28/2030

SME Strategic Goal: SME is the first choice for disseminating innovative mining and underground construction information, research, and technology. Objectives: 1) Provide quality platforms for the transfer of knowledge. 2) Expand opportunities for disseminating and presenting innovative research and best practices. 3) Publicize impactful ideas and trends.

SME members receive a nomination to serve in one of these positions, based on past SME leadership experience and demonstrated skills.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Fangyu Liu Chair 03/01/2026 02/28/2028
Steven J. Schafrik Representative Board of Directors 03/01/2026 02/28/2029
Peter Amelunxen Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2029
Michael J. Deal Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2029
Dr. Corby G. Anderson Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2027
Dr. Erik C. Westman Member 03/01/2025 02/29/2028
Gregory F. Sutton Member 03/01/2025 02/29/2028
Rajesh Raitani Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Tara K. Davis SME Staff 03/01/2020 02/28/2030

SME Strategic Goal: Promote mining and underground construction as multidisciplinary careers that are essential and rewarding. Objectives: 1) Assist educational institutions in promoting the industry. 2) Provide resources to attract and retain a skilled and professional workforce. 3) Recognize and support changing professional development needs.

SME members receive a nomination to serve in one of these positions, based on past SME leadership experience and demonstrated skills.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Xavier L. Ochoa, QP Chair 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Dr. Courtney A. Young Representative Board of Directors 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Mr. J. Eric Shereda Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Mr. Raghav M. Dube Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Nathan Manser, PHD Member 03/01/2025 02/29/2028
Sarah L. Jones Member 03/01/2025 02/29/2028
Christy Miller Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2029
Patrick A. Jacomet Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2029
Karin Harrington SME Staff 03/01/2020 02/28/2030

SME Strategic Goal: SME promotes responsible mining and underground construction. Objectives: 1) Provide information about responsible mining best practices. 2) Proactively identify policy and regulatory hot topics related to responsible mining. 3) Promote streamlined permitting process. 4) Support partnerships between industry, stakeholders, and government.

SME members receive a nomination to serve in one of these positions, based on past SME leadership experience and demonstrated skills.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Larry R. Kramka Chair 03/01/2026 02/28/2028
Emily J. Haas Representative Board of Directors 03/01/2026 02/28/2029
John Wood Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2027
Dr. Robert Cooke Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2029
Robin Bullock Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2029
Nina Astillero Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2027
Dr. Virginia T. McLemore Member 03/01/2025 02/22/2028
Omar A. Smith Member 03/01/2025 02/29/2028
Rachel Grimes SME Staff 03/01/2023 02/28/2030

The Young Leaders Committee (YLC) develops and strengthens young professionals in the mining and underground construction industry while adding value to the entire SME organization. Click a subcommittee name below to see its details.

The Annual Conference Subcommittee will provide a centralized source for all Young Leaders events surrounding the SME Annual Conference in an effort to better direct membership efforts and offerings.

To get involved with this subcommittee, apply to serve on the Young Leaders Committee.

The Young Leaders Committee (YLC) develops and strengthens young professionals in the mining and underground construction industry while adding value to the entire SME organization.

Apply for the Young Leaders Committee.

The goal of the Global Sections Subcommittee is to help expand and recognize International membership in SME.

To get involved with this subcommittee, apply to serve on the Young Leaders Committee.

 

The Young Leaders Committee (YLC) was created in 1998 to develop and strengthen young professionals in the mining industry while adding value to the entire SME organization. Through the use of subcommittees within the YLC, members will work within SME to reach student chapters, the general public and provide value to SME members throughout the year and at the Annual Meeting. While working with these different groups, members of the YLC are given opportunities for personal development and are in the position to gain and share knowledge as well as provide development opportunities to others.

To get involved, apply to serve on the Young Leaders Committee.

 

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Ellen Essien Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2030
Ana Belen Cueva Sola Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2030
Fnu Kurniawan Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2030
Samuel Hoffmann Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2030
Molina Ansambom Sianto Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2030
José Pedro Cortez Ordoñez Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2030
Shale Kennedy Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2030
Mirza Ubed Baig Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2030
Cyrus Addy Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2030
Daniel Harvey Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2030
Philip Duah Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2030
Alex Javier Ramos Villanueva Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2030
Gamuchirai Melissa Matambo Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2030
Gholamreza Khodadadmahmoudi Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2030
Renzo Omar Solis Vega Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2030
Gorkem Gecimli Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2030
Emily Jagerhorn Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2030
Mohammad Rezaee Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2030
ERNEST KONADU-YIADOM Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2030
Laura Taboada Nuñonca Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2030
Triveni Gangadari Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2030
Manuel Zacarías Salgado Cabeza Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2030
Ashley Davis Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2030
Frida Muthoni Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2030
Mayumy Dara Zuñiga Escobar Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2030
Jacob Horner Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2030
Toluwalase Ogunsunlade Member 03/01/2026 02/28/2030
Amid Morshedlou Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2028
Baxter Jones Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2028
Carolyn A. McCannon Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2028
Christy Miller Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2028
Daniel Buonanno Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2028
Emmy Muhoza, M.Sc Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2028
Mr Guillermo Marcos Alzamora Casilla Sr Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2028
Hannah Chop Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2028
Kody-Lee M. Musick Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2028
Luis Aaron Goicochea Sanchez Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2028
Mrs Roya Bakzadeh Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2028
Saboor Ahmad Torabi Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2028
Mr Taliat T.A Afosi Olatunde Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2028
Stephen Benyo Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2028
Jeremy Diehlmann Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2028
Jose Priante Quiala Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2028
Juan Gabriel Bernal Rodroguez, Sr Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2028
Junior Alexander Mendoza Bedregal Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2028
Katie Slaughter Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2028
Paul Fernando Peralta Rodriguez Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2028
Paul Stanton Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2028
William Dixon Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2027
Rami Abousleiman Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2027
Joelson Alves Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2027
Dr Angelina K. Anani Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2027
Festus Ayinimi Animah Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2027
Cecilia Estefania Aramayo Chavez Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2027
Guillermo Bermudez Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2027
Mackenzie Best Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2027
Joseph R Bindner Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2027
Michahel Arturo Calixto Rivera Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2027
Emily Carroll, B.S.M.E Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2027
Cesar D. Juber Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2027
Zeynep Cicek Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2027
Kevin Collantes Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2027
Nina Dawson Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2027
Rahel A. Dean-Pelikan Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2027
Ms Cassandra N Galvez Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2027
Shihua Han Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2027
Emily Hendrickson Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2027
Mark Hovingh Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2027
Michael Karl Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2027
Michael Keener Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2027
Brock Langford Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2027
Samanthas McLeary Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2027
Safiatu Barrie, M.Sc Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2027
Santiago Navia Vasquez Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2027
Marco Esau Portal Valdivia Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2027
Mr Daniel Riggs Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2027
Oluwafemi Salami Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2027
Aman Soni Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2027
Vaibhav K. Srivastava Member 03/01/2023 02/02/2027
Caitlin Strong Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2027
Chandima Subasinghe Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2027
Thiago Tolentino Silva Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2027
Joseph Trouba Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2027
Zohreh Kazemi Motlagh Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2029
Arif Aydar Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2029
Lea Vecchiarelli Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2029
Cooper Knoll Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2029
Cole Mayer Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2029
Michael Campion Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2029
Justin Liakos Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2029
Erick Elvis Hinostroza De La Cruz Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2029
José Antonio Mujica Cabrera Member 03/01/2025 02/08/2029
Erkan Aslan Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2029
Richard Ahadjie Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2029
Milad Ghahramanieisalou Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2029
Joshua Woosley Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2029
Zach Ward Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2029
Yajaira Nohelia Mosqueira Mostacero Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2029
Raul Adrián Borda Moreno Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2029
Juan Carlos Llerena Santos Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2029
Garrett Anderson Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2029
Samuel Hatfield Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2029
Greatness Ojum Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2029
Jhaird Alexander Pérez Cruzado Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2029
Johnniann Thompson Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2029
Fernando Marcelo Robles Rodriguez Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2028
Rommel Benjhi Arrieta Zapata Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2029
Neel Gupta Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2029
Flor Yanina Segobia Campos Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2029
Mr Cristian Larry Quiroz Giron Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2029

The Membership subcommittee is responsible for receiving new applications, tracking member activities, providing mentorship to new and existing YL members and maintaining the Alumni Contact Database.

To get involved with this subcommittee, apply to serve on the Young Leaders Committee.

The objective of the Philanthropy & Community Outreach Subcommittee is to have more of an impact outside of SME through programs like Miners Give Back, Engineers without Boarders and The Boy Scout Jamboree. PCO will work closely with the SME Foundation and MEC to support the initiatives of these groups.

To get involved with this subcommittee, apply to serve on the Young Leaders Committee.

The Professional Development Subcommittee aims to provide activities that focus on creating a professionally developing environment in which students, young engineers, and other SME members are able to strengthen and expand their professional skill set in a variety of different subjects, learn through mentoring, and expand networking to a larger group of professionals.

To get involved with this subcommittee, apply to serve on the Young Leaders Committee.

It is the purpose of the Student Relations Subcommittee to engage the SME student chapters and assist with all of their efforts; including, but not limited to, the student design competitions, annual student chapter reports, and chapter activities.

To get involved with this subcommittee, apply to serve on the Young Leaders Committee.

Name Position Sub-Position Start End
Iuri Alfenas Ramos Member 03/01/2023