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Emerging Professionals Section

Membership

About the Emerging Professionals Section

The objective of the section is to grow new industry professionals’ involvement in the society by engaging, retaining, and mentoring new members through providing professional networking opportunities and guidance.

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Emerging Professionals at ISEE52

EP Social

Connect with fellow attendees, share laughs, and celebrate the industry at this lively evening hosted by EPs.

Industry Connection Event

Engage with peers, mentors, and industry leaders to build meaningful professional relationships.

Untold Stories

Hear from industry veterans as they share the history, insights, and memorable “untold stories” of explosives engineering.

Meet an Emerging Professional

Jeff Corace

We’re proud to introduce our first feature in the Emerging Professionals Member Highlight series: Jeff Corace, M-Roc Ltd. president, based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Jeff has been a dedicated member of ISEE for over 20 years, and for the past 3 years, he’s brought his dedication, energy, and experience to the Emerging Professionals (EP) section, helping to build bridges between seasoned professionals and the next generation of industry leaders.

What inspired Jeff to pursue a career in the industry?

“A passion for the drilling and blasting industry and the pursuit of blasting excellence.” With a career driven by curiosity, commitment, and a desire to push the industry forward, Jeff exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose.

How has ISEE impacted his journey?

“Networking has been the biggest benefit for us and the ability to talk to like-minded people.” Through ISEE, Jeff has built long-lasting professional relationships, exchanged insights with fellow experts, and stayed at the forefront of innovation in the field.

This feature marks the beginning of a series that aims to spotlight the exceptional members of the EP section. Stay tuned as we continue to share their stories, their work, and their impact on the industry.

Scott Maxwell

We’re proud to introduce our next feature in the Emerging Professionals Member Highlight series: Scott Maxwell, Special Operations Governance Officer with the U.S. Army, based in Honolulu, HI. Scott has been a member of ISEE for one year, and during that time he has also joined the Emerging Professionals (EP) section. With a strong background in Geology, Geophysics, and Explosives Technology, combined with his military experience, Scott brings a unique perspective and skill set to the industry.

What inspired Scott to pursue a career in the industry?

“My military experience and degrees in Geology, Geophysics, and Explosives Technology.” His path reflects the blend of knowledge and expertise that drives innovation and excellence in the field.

How has ISEE impacted his journey?

“It has greatly enhanced my ability to network and find a fulfilling, post-military career in the industry.” Through ISEE, Scott has begun building meaningful professional connections and exploring opportunities to transition his experience into a rewarding career beyond military service.

This feature continues our series highlighting the exceptional members of the EP section. Stay tuned as we share more stories from professionals making an impact and shaping the future of our industry.

Evan Thibaud

We are proud to introduce our next feature in the Emerging Professionals Member Highlight series: Evan Thibaud, CEO of his own company, based in Tennessee, USA. Evan has been a dedicated member of ISEE for 15 years, and for the past 9 years he has brought his leadership, passion, and perspective to the Emerging Professionals (EP) section, continuing to support the next generation of leaders in the explosives industry.

What inspired Evan to pursue a career in the industry?

While the industry often seemed like it favored those with family connections, Evan found his place through perseverance and the welcoming spirit of a few ISEE members who made sure he felt included. Their kindness showed him that passion and hard work are what truly define success in this field.

How has ISEE impacted his journey?

“It was the kindness of a few members inside the ISEE who included me in their conversations and dinners that made me feel like this industry is far more accepting of people than it first appeared. They made the point to welcome me and tell me that those who are passionate about explosives respect and admire others who work hard, to do what we do, safely. It is those people who make working with explosives a career and not just a job.”

Evan’s story is a reminder of the power of mentorship and community, values that remain at the heart of the ISEE and EP section. Stay tuned as we continue to highlight the stories, careers, and contributions of our outstanding EP members.

Sally Zadra

We are proud to feature Sally Zadra, a Colorado School of Mines Mining Engineer and registered Professional Mining Engineer in Georgia, in our Emerging Professionals Member Highlight series. Sally is the President and CEO of her consulting firm providing surveying and engineering services to the quarrying, mining, and construction industries in the southeast for over 25 years.

What inspired Sally to pursue a career in the industry?

Growing up as a fourth generation member of a mining family, Sally says, “I didn’t know there was anything else to do!” Her family roots in mining inspired her lifelong commitment to the field.

How has ISEE impacted her career?

Sally reflects, “ISEE has been essential in launching and continuing my career through the networking opportunities it provides. I have such a strong family of colleagues because of my ISEE affiliation. These relationships have made a huge difference to me, both professionally and personally through the years. I feel like I have my very own expert support group.”

Sally’s story demonstrates the power of community, mentorship, and lasting professional relationships in the explosives engineering industry. Stay tuned as we continue to highlight the achievements and insights of our outstanding EP members.

Industry Connection at ISEE51

Untold Stories at ISEE51

Emerging Professionals Section Q & A

A: One of our goals is to help newer ISEE members (less than 10 years of membership) become more involved and increase their network in ISEE.

A: Our section hosts the Emerging Professionals (EP) Social (the big opening event for the conference), the student industry connection, and the untold stories presentations.

A: Newer members to ISEE (age does not matter) who wish to become involved or increase their social network in the industry.

A: We are expanding to Europe! We're hosting an EP Social at the European Federation of Explosives Engineers (EFEE) Conference in Dublin in September. This is the first time we've planned an opening social for EFEE, but all expectations are that it will be a great event.

A: Members of the Emerging Professionals Section will meet monthly. Email Evan at Evan.thibaud@pneuwave.com if you are interested in becoming involved.