Who We Are
Led by a talented group of passionate, driven, and highly skilled professionals dedicated to unlocking potential and delivering excellence, our staff brings a unique blend of expertise, creativity, and insight—shaped by years of experience and a deep understanding of what it takes to help SME thrive.
Executive Team
Dave Kanagy, CAE
Since joining SME in 2004, Dave is largely responsible for the Society’s success. Bringing his extensive nonprofit experience and focusing on growth, innovation and opportunity, he led SME to become the world’s largest mining-related organization. He has a B.S. degree from the University of Maryland and a M.S. degree from Eastern Illinois University.
Executive Team
Dave Kanagy, CAE
Since joining SME in 2004, Dave is largely responsible for the Society’s success. Bringing his extensive nonprofit experience and focusing on growth, innovation and opportunity, he led SME to become the world’s largest mining-related organization. He has a B.S. degree from the University of Maryland and a M.S. degree from Eastern Illinois University.
Melanie Penoyar-Perez, MBA, CAE
Melanie leads operations with a view to the future. She aims to evolve member services and products to better meet the needs of the industry and drive revenue for the Society. She supports the UCA Division and Structure & Governance Committee. With over 25 years of association management experience, Melanie enjoys connecting strategy with tangible outcomes for members.
Michelle Hegarty, CPA
Michelle brings over 25 years of leadership experience to her role at SME, overseeing Accounting, IT and Marketing teams. With a strong foundation in financial operations and a CPA certificate, she ensures financial responsibility and strategic alignment across departments. She is passionate about driving innovation and operational excellence looking toward the Society's future and its stakeholders’ evolving needs.
Karin Harrington,
SPHR, SHRM-SCP
Karin manages the many facets of HR, partnering with leadership to craft people solutions that align with organization goals to add member value. She is passionate about creating a collaborative work environment and is a champion for change and innovation. Karin received her bachelor’s degree at Gonzaga University (Go Zags!) and holds SPHR and SHRM-SCP certifications.
Leadership Team
Tim Brown
Tim employs his considerable association IT experience to ensure the best use of SME’s record-keeping software. He creates new business processes, develops key integrations and helps staff tell key data stories. He believes no project is out of his scope and received the SME Rock Star Award in 2019 for outstanding service to the Society.
Tara Davis
Tara’s enthusiasm for members and the products that support them is rooted in 30 years of working for the Society. She is exploring new options for member professional development while continuing to provide members with the benefits of all the great traditional programs. Tara loves using her experience with members, committees, events and communications in her everyday work.
Bill Gleason
Bill has been the editor of SME publications since 2019 and an editor for SME since 2006. He manages the SME publications department which includes Mining Engineering, Tunneling & Underground Construction and the websites for each publication. Prior to SME, Bill worked as a journalist in Colorado, Nebraska and Wyoming primarily as a sports editor. He graduated from the University of Northern Colorado, and is married with two daughters.
Shalea Hardison
Focused on developing and executing marketing strategies that meet the goals of the association, Shalea leads a team of talented marketing professionals. A seasoned professional, she brings SME a background deep in communications, event experience, and omnichannel marketing. Shalea is passionate about effectively communicating the mission of SME through innovative techniques.
Cori Knansinski, CMP, CAE
Cori, along with her team, organizes all logistics for in-person events at SME. She has been planning association conferences and events for over 25 years and uses her skills in negotiation, budgeting and project management to make SME events successful. Cori loves a good spreadsheet and researches family history in her spare time.
Megan Martin
Megan oversees all the functions of the SME Foundation including the Corporate Roundtable Partnership, Minerals Education Coalition, Miners Give Back, Scholarships and all SMEF Events and Programs. Her background includes extensive experience in non-profit fundraising and event planning. Megan spends her free time taking her kids on adventures and volunteering for Girl Scouts and two school PTO Boards.
Laura Nelson
Laura develops and implements campaigns to recruit and retain members. She also supports her team’s work with Sections and Student Chapters. After a career spent in healthcare marketing, she has enjoyed learning about mining, tunneling and the Society’s talented members since joining SME. In her spare time, Laura enjoys reading, cooking, the arts and the outdoors.
Melissa Serdinsky
Melissa is responsible for all editorial and sales aspects of the book publishing program and conference proceedings volumes. With more than 30 years of experience, her understanding of the evolving ways people engage with content is critical to the program’s success. Melissa enjoys spending time with her family above all else.