PROFESSIONAL STAFF

Mark rejoined AEMA after serving six years as the Utah Mining Association’s (UMA) President. Having worked for AEMA, then known as the Northwest Mining Association, from 2008-2012 as the Government Affairs Manager, he already possesses an organic familiarity with the Association, its membership, and the issues.

Additionally, Mark possesses over a quarter century of government affairs experience. Prior to his tenure at UMA, he served as AEMA’s Government Affairs Manager and worked as a member of Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter’s gubernatorial and congressional staff, where he handled issues focusing on natural resources and economic development in northern Idaho.

He has a profound appreciation for the importance of responsible resource development to our economy and our way of life. He believes that by working together, AEMA and its members can ensure the U.S. mining industry remains strong and is able to produce the raw materials on which our modern society depends.

A graduate of the University of Montana, Mark lives with his wife Kelley on the outskirts of Coeur d’Alene, ID.

Sidney Smith joins AEMA after almost 17 years working in the United States Senate. He began his career working for U.S. Senator Larry Craig in Washington, D.C., and spent more than a decade on the staff of U.S. Senator Jim Risch. Sidney’s time with two Idaho members of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee allowed him to build extensive experience in a variety of public lands and natural resource issues throughout Idaho and the Pacific Northwest.

A proud member of a rare species, Sidney is a born-and-bred Coeur d’Alene, Idaho native, with a deep appreciation for North Idaho’s foundational industries: logging and mining. He graduated from Coeur d’Alene High School in 1996, and Princeton University in 2000, with a bachelor’s degree in Politics. He and his wife, Stacy, reside in Coeur d’Alene with their three sons.

Kenna O’Neill joined AEMA in 2019 as the Communications & Outreach Manager. In 2024, she expanded her role to include member relations for the association.

Kenna has been instrumental in several key initiatives at AEMA, including launching a new website, revitalizing the public outreach committee, and growing the association’s social media following by over 200 percent. She also played a significant role in leading AEMA’s national PR campaign, “I Am Mining,” and is an active member of the Women’s Mining Coalition, where she serves on their executive committee.

Before AEMA, Kenna was the Communications Manager for the Pend Oreille Public Utility District, where she collaborated with and advocated for public power alongside the Washington Public Utility District Association, Northwest Public Power Association, and the American Public Power Association. Prior to that, she worked as an Associate at Gallatin Public Affairs, handling media relations, community relations, and strategic and crisis communications for clients in natural resources, education, and more across the Northwest.

In addition to her extensive experience in strategic communications and advocacy, Kenna has a background in journalism, having written for Eastern Washington University's newspaper and worked as a reporting intern at the local NBC affiliate, KHQ.

Kenna resides in Cheney with her husband, Bryson, and their two children.

In 2023, Devon rejoined AEMA as a Project Manager, having previously served AEMA members from 2015 to 2018. Devon brings a wealth of experience from diverse roles at STRIVE Prep, Investments & Wealth Institute, Caretakers of America, and Florida’s Division of Emergency Management.

A proud graduate of Florida State University, Devon holds both a B.S. in International Affairs and an M.P.A., with a specialized emphasis on the intersection of social media and crisis communication.

Devon enjoys fly fishing with her husband and their two beloved pups in her free time.

In March 2024, Lisa started a new chapter of her career by joining the AEMA as the Finance and Operations Manager. With over two decades of experience in the mining industry, Lisa brings an abundance of knowledge and expertise to her new role.

Lisa graduated in 2001 from Idaho State University with her Degree in Business Administration which led her in a career of accounting, payroll, and human resources.

Lisa’s deep understanding of human resources, accounting, payroll, and administrative functions has been learned through years of her dedicated service. She not only excels in these critical areas but also possesses a talent for building strong relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, and partners.

Lisa’s experience in payroll administration spans several years, during which she has consistently demonstrated exceptional ability and dedication. Her strong commitment to excellence. Lisa has received numerous awards for her outstanding work ethic and community involvement in her previous role.

In her spare time, Lisa cherishes quality time spent with her four grandchildren and daughters, often whisking them away to the beach for rejuvenating vacations. Lisa’s creative spirit finds expression in her passion for designing and crafting her culture of Indigenous beadwork and regalia, which her family proudly wears during gatherings and powwows.

Deanna has been with AEMA since August of 2007 as the Executive Assistant to Mark Compton. She also serves as the Convention Services Assistant. She previously was employed by Roy F. Weston Inc. (now Weston Solutions), an environmental consulting firm and Lockheed Martin, Aerospace Division.

Deanna holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from California State University, Northridge and lives with her family in Liberty Lake.