The International Society of Explosives Engineers (ISEE) announced that President Janeen Smith resigned on Oct. 31. The ISEE would like to acknowledge and thank Smith for her dedicated service to the Society. Smith has served on the board of directors since 2014 and most recently served as president of the board of directors in 2024.
Throughout her service and membership Smith has made significant contributions to the Society and leaves behind a strong legacy of leadership and dedication to the mission of supporting and educating blasters. As a result, Kristen Kolden, ISEE vice president, has stepped into the role of acting president for the remainder of Smith’s term ending in early 2026. The board of directors is following Constitutional guidelines to elect a new vice president and fill resulting vacancies on the board of directors.
The Society’s Executive Director Steven Shivak will be pursuing other opportunities at the close of 2024. Shivak has filled the role of executive director since April of 2021 and has done a commendable job organizing the Society staff and ushering in new operational systems, including the new ISEE website and educational programs, all under the challenges of a post-COVID environment, the association stated. “We thank Steve for his dedication to the Society and wish him success in his future endeavors.”
Beginning in late November, John Capers, a longtime ISEE member, Past ISEE president, and former technical director at Austin Powder Co., stepped in as the interim executive director while the board undertakes a search for the Society’s next executive director.